Seth A. Richardson

srichardson@rgj.com

Gov. Brian Sandoval issued his first veto of the 2017 session, blocking an initiative petition that would have automatically registered people to vote when they updated their driver’s license or identification card information with the Department of Motor Vehicles.

The Democratic controlled Legislature passed Initiative Petition 1, which would have automatically registered people to vote unless they opted out, along party lines. Sandoval, a Republican, said in his veto message the current system “provides the necessary balance for voluntary and informed voter registration” and people have ample opportunities to do so.

“Nevadans have many other opportunities to apply to register to vote outside of the DMV,” Sandoval said. “Eligible voters can still register by mail, online or in person at various public offices. It is also common, especially during election years, for various groups to offer voter registration at multiple locations.”

Assembly Speaker Jason Frierson, D-Las Vegas, said he was disappointed by the veto decision.

"Nevadans agree that we need to have a voting system that protects the fundamental right of every eligible voter— Democrat, Republican, Non-Partisan or otherwise," Frierson said in a statement. "Voting is a right, not a privilege and we should make it easy for Nevadans to hold their own government accountable."

Because the legislation is an initiative petition, voters will still be able to vote on its passage in the 2018 election.

IP1 was modeled after a similar plan in Oregon and led to 225,000 more registered voters. The state saw an uptick in total voter turnout during the 2016 election as a result, though a downturn in the percentage of registered voters who cast a ballot.

Six other states and Washington, D.C., all have automatic voter registration.

This post has been updated with comments from Jason Frierson.

Seth A. Richardson covers politics for the Reno Gazette-Journal. Like him onFacebook hereor follow him on Twitter at@SethARichardson.