Lombardo Stands Firm on Second Amendment Rights
Picture this. You walk up to your local voting spot to cast your ballot. Should you have to worry about seeing someone with a gun nearby? Governor Joe Lombardo says no. Not because guns should be banned at polling places, but because such bans step on our constitutional rights.
Lombardo just vetoed Assembly Bill 105, which would have prohibited carrying firearms at polling places. This marks the second time he’s rejected this type of law. He vetoed a similar bill called AB 354 back in 2023.
What the Bill Would Have Done
Assembly Bill 105 would have banned the possession of firearms within 100 feet of polling places with limited exceptions. The bill came from Assemblywoman Sandra Jauregui, a Democrat from Las Vegas.
The law would have made violations a gross misdemeanor. It could become a felony if someone intended to disrupt the election. Law enforcement and hired security would be exempt.
The bill also included exceptions for people with firearms in vehicles or on private property within the restricted zone, as long as they didn’t brandish the weapon.
Why This Matters to Conservatives
This veto is huge for folks who believe in limited government and constitutional rights. Here’s why.
First, it’s about the Second Amendment.
In his 2023 veto message for the similar bill, Lombardo said AB 354:
“was duplicative of federal law, vague and would create an ‘impermissible burden on constitutionally protected conduct.'”
The governor made clear he won’t support laws that step on gun rights.
Second, it shows how government keeps trying to expand its reach. The NRA calls this “a sweeping restriction” that “infringes on the rights of law-abiding citizens and fails to include reasonable exemptions for carry permit holders simply exercising their rights.”
Third, it’s about protecting regular people from feel-good laws that don’t solve real problems. In his 2023 veto message, Lombardo noted there:
“is no notable history of gun violence at election facilities in Nevada.”
What the Other Side Says
Gun control groups aren’t happy. They argue that guns can intimidate voters.
“Guns and democracy don’t mix – polling places should be places where democracy flourishes and isn’t dimmed down by the fear of gun violence,” said Jamie Bunnell with Moms Demand Action.
Supporters also note that “many states, including Arizona, California, Colorado, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and Washington – already regulate the carrying of firearms at polling places.”
A Pattern of Protecting Rights
This isn’t Lombardo’s first time blocking gun control measures. He’s consistently defended Second Amendment rights since taking office. In 2023, he vetoed three gun bills in one day, including the similar polling place ban.
The governor has also defended his veto of a ghost gun ban and other firearm restrictions. Each time, he’s pointed to constitutional concerns and court precedents that support gun rights.
This consistent approach shows voters they can count on Lombardo to defend constitutional principles, even when facing pressure from Democrats and advocacy groups.
This veto fits a larger pattern. Lombardo has vetoed over 50 bills from the 2025 legislative session, following his record-breaking 75 vetoes in 2023. He’s shown he’ll stand up to a Democrat-controlled legislature when it comes to constitutional rights.
The governor has consistently said he “will not support legislation that infringes on the constitutional rights of Nevadans.” This isn’t just about guns. It’s about keeping government from overstepping its bounds.
What Happens Next
The Democratic legislature could try to override the veto, but they’d need a two-thirds majority in both chambers. That’s a tall order, especially with Republicans standing firm on constitutional rights.
Democrats have shown they’ll keep trying. Assemblywoman Jauregui said:
“just because the governor vetoed it in 2023 doesn’t mean that I stop trying to do the right thing.”
Expect them to bring similar bills back in future sessions.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
