The Daily Populous Friday June 4th, 2021 evening edition
Authored by thehill.com and submitted by history777

Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak Steve SisolakNevada governor signs bill permanently expanding mail-in voting to all registered voters Nevada lawmakers pass bill that would make it first presidential primary state GOP candidate for Nevada governor tests positive for COVID-19 MORE (D) on Wednesday signed a new bill that expands mail-in voting to all registered voters, requiring local election officials to send out mail ballots before a primary or general election.

“At a time when State legislatures across the country are attempting to roll back access to the polls, I am so proud that Nevada continues to push forward with proven strategies that make voting more accessible and secure,” Sisolak said in a press release. “Nevada has always been widely recognized as a leader in election administration and with this legislation, we will continue to build on that legacy.”

This legislation expanding voter access comes as several GOP-controlled state legislatures have moved to tighten voter restrictions following the presidential election. The 2020 race saw record turnout as the pandemic required social distancing and states relied heavily on early and mail-in voting for Americans to cast their ballots.

Lawmakers in 14 states, the majority of which have Republican legislatures and governors, have passed 22 bills to tighten voting restrictions, according to a report from the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University. The year's tally of legislation like this is expected to grow.

Among the restrictions, states like Iowa and Montana have passed legislation to reduce the hours of polling places. Others have scaled back early voting hours, and sought to limit ballot dropbox usage.

A controversial Georgia voting law signed by Gov. Brian Kemp Brian KempStacey Abrams: Voting restriction bills are 'subversion of American democracy' Nevada governor signs bill permanently expanding mail-in voting to all registered voters Vaccination tracking apps ineffective, amplify inequalities, pose privacy issues: report MORE (R) earlier this year included a provision that prohibited distributing food and drink to voters standing in line at the polls.

“While other states across the country move to make voting more restrictive, Nevada shines as a leader in protecting this fundamental sacred right. I’m honored to have played a part in expanding the freedom to vote in our beloved state," Nevada State Assembly Speaker Jason Frierson (D) said in a statement.

President Biden Joe BidenWHO warns of continent-wide third wave of coronavirus infections in Africa 30 House Democrats urge Biden to do more for global vaccine distribution Manchin isn't ready to support Democrats passing infrastructure on their own MORE won the state of Nevada over former President Trump Donald TrumpFacebook to end policy shielding politicians from content moderation rules: reports US government found no evidence that Navy UFO sightings were alien spacecraft: report More than a dozen police officers still on medical leave from Jan. 6 injuries MORE in November, though the results were challenged later by the Trump campaign. The challenge ultimately failed.

Forbes notes that Nevada is the sixth U.S. state to roll out automatic mail-in voting, with Vermont likely to become the seventh. The bill also allows for electronic devices to approve signatures on mail-in ballots, along with other security measures.

Democratic state lawmakers in Texas this week staged a walkout in order to prevent the passage of an expansive election overhaul bill. The bill would require that voters who request mail-in ballots prove that they cannot go to the polls in-person due to illness, injury or disability.

Pullmanity on June 4th, 2021 at 15:50 UTC »

We have (and have had) primarily mail in voting in Washington for years. It works, very well.

I get my ballot in the mail and I sit down and read my voters pamphlet, I have time to do so. I don't have to worry about missing events or work to vote. I don't have to stand in line. I don't have to listen to a bunch of conspiracy theorists.

I get to educate myself on issues. I have time to look up extra things about initiatives if the voters guide doesn't make it clear. And I get to vote, usually before a bunch of the slam/smear campaigns start. And then I get to ignore all the BS political ads for the last two weeks of the voters cycle.

Why every state doesn't do this is beyond me, it's better for literally everyone. The only reasons to fight this is voter suppression and conspiracies.

SusanForeman on June 4th, 2021 at 13:16 UTC »

But this will increase voter fraud!

How?

Well if everyone and their brother can just willy-nilly vote and put an envelope in the mail, then how can we ensure safe and free elections?!

Huh? All these people are registered, and it just takes a simple check to ensure the validity of their vote?

Nah, must be voter fraud! Let's keep it 2 polling places per city, but one of them should have selective hours to protect its integrity even more!

Which one? Uh.... well not mine because I can protect its integrity myself! So how about that one, with all...those kinds of people.

Oh and make sure the lines are 8-10 hours long, and don't let anyone give them food or water! And make sure they have to provide 2 forms of identification to register, just to be sure!

America! Freedom! Trump! Integrity!

HippieSmiles84 on June 4th, 2021 at 13:09 UTC »

I hope this happens everywhere.