If you thought politics in Nevada couldn’t get any closer, think again.
As of March 2025, new voter registration numbers show Democrats are ahead of Republicans by—get this—just two voters.
Not two thousand. Two. That’s like flipping a coin and having it land on its side.
Here’s what the numbers from the Nevada Secretary of State’s office tell us:
Nevada has 2,104,682 active registered voters. Both Democrats and Republicans each have around 29.25% of the total. That’s a dead heat.
But here’s where things get a little weird: the biggest group isn’t red or blue. It’s purple.
Nonpartisan voters now make up 34.45% of all active registered voters. That’s a full percentage point jump from just the month before.
Sounds like Nevadans are turning their backs on party politics, right?
Well… maybe not so fast.
Hold On—Are These Voters Really “Independent”?
Turns out, a big chunk of these “nonpartisan” voters didn’t exactly choose that label.
Thanks to automatic voter registration at the DMV and other government offices, a lot of people are getting signed up as nonpartisan by default—sometimes without even realizing they’ve been registered at all.
This system, called automatic voter registration (AVR), started back in 2020.
When you get or renew your driver’s license, you’re automatically registered to vote unless you say no. And if you don’t pick a party? You get labeled as “nonpartisan.”
Or even worse, if you are already registered, your registration may be set back to “nonpartisan”. Hint: be sure to double check your voter registration status later that month.
Now, the idea behind this was to make it easier for people to get involved in elections. But the side effect is that the nonpartisan numbers are a little inflated.
Many of those people may not even know they’re registered, let alone plan to vote. We have uncovered situations like this when knocking on doors during campaign season.
So it’s not just speculation. In past elections, nonpartisan voters have had lower turnout rates, especially in primary elections, where rules can limit who gets to vote.
So while the numbers on paper look impressive, the reality at the polls may be very different.
Still, the Stakes Are High
Even with the question marks around turnout, one thing is clear: Nevada is a battleground.
With Democrats and Republicans basically tied, every single vote counts. That means candidates can’t afford to ignore nonpartisan voters—real or otherwise.
In recent years, Republicans have been gaining ground in rural areas and among working-class Nevadans, especially those feeling the squeeze from high prices and government overreach.
Meanwhile, Democrats have held on to urban centers like Las Vegas and Reno.
But with so many voters (accidentally or not) sitting in the middle, both sides are going to have to make their case to folks who don’t see themselves as part of the political “team sport.”
The Numbers at a Glance
Let’s look at the March 2025 voter registration totals:
- Total Active Voters: 2,104,682
- Nonpartisan (No Party): 725,238 (34.45%)
- Democrats: 615,964 (29.27%)
- Republicans: 615,962 (29.25%)
- All Other Parties: Roughly 7% combined
(Source: Nevada Secretary of State, March 2025 Voter Registration Report)
Yes, Democrats lead by just two voters. That’s the kind of margin that makes political consultants cry into their coffee.
What Critics Say
Some on the left argue that nonpartisan growth means people are rejecting partisanship. But conservatives point out that when you register people automatically, not everyone understands what they’re signing up for.
And if they don’t show up to vote, are they really part of the political conversation?
Since new registrations are labeled as “active” these individuals will all receive a mail ballot for the next election. Many won’t bother to open them.
In Clark County, only an abysmal 32% of all mail ballot during the 2024 election were returned: 451,866 returned out of a total 1.432,678 mailed.
Plus, let’s be honest—just because someone’s labeled “nonpartisan” doesn’t mean they’re neutral. That is very evident to anyone who knocks on doors during campaign season.
As a matter of fact, many independents lean conservative on taxes, border security, and education. So don’t assume this group is up for grabs by the highest bidder.
Quite a few nonpartisans don’t declare their party because they own a business that deals with the Nevada government.
They don’t want to be seen as partisan because it may affect their business relationship.
The same is true for students on campus, because they are concerned that their grades will be affected.
Bottom Line: Every Vote Matters More Than Ever
With margins this tight and so many voters sitting on the sidelines—or not even realizing they’re on the field—Nevada’s future will come down to who shows up. Literally.
So if you’re concerned about the direction of the state, this is the time to step up.
Talk to your neighbors. Make sure your family is actually registered—and knows it. Remind people that freedom doesn’t run on autopilot.
In a state where two voters separate the red and the blue, even one voice can make the difference. And you can be that voice!
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
