Nevada election officials watch for caucus shenanigans

CARSON CITY — Election officials are monitoring voter registration trends leading up to Nevada's presidential caucuses and warn that Republicans who try to skew the Democratic outcome by switching parties and participating in both nominating contests could face legal backlash.

Social media posts have suggested Republicans, who hold their caucus Tuesday, could create mischief by registering as Democrats onsite and participating in that party's presidential caucus Saturday, then caucusing again with Republicans next week.

Democrats will have same-day voter registration as they have in previous caucus years. Registration to participate in the GOP caucus closed Feb. 13.

The prospect of "dual" caucus goers drew condemnation Friday from Democrats and a warning from Republican Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske.

"I have been monitoring voter registration trends, particularly changes in party affiliation, in the weeks leading up to the caucuses, and will continue to monitor these trends after the caucuses," Cegavske said in a statement.

Bradley Schrager, a Las Vegas lawyer for the state Democratic Party, said double-dipping at the caucuses could have legal consequences.

"Changing one's registration on Saturday from one party to the Democratic Party for the purposes of participating in the Democratic caucus, and then caucusing with the Republicans next week, is in our view clearly a felony and anyone doing so would be courting serious legal jeopardy," Schrager said.

"Furthermore, records will obviously be kept and anyone trying this will be easily identified," he said.

Wayne Thorley, elections deputy for the secretary of state's office, said dual caucus goers could potentially face criminal charges for voter fraud, but added there would have to be evidence of intent.

State law makes it a felony to provide fraudulent information on a voter registration.

"That could potentially apply if there was evidence that a person switched parties … solely for the purpose of participating in a caucus of the other party with the intent of switching back," Thorley said.

Same-day registration at the Democratic caucus uses state forms and procedures. People are required to give their name and address. Providing false information is a felony crime under state law.

The caucus is a political party function, so the rules for participating are determined by the party.

When it comes to voting in a state-run primary or general election, people who registered at locations other than a county registrar's office must show identification when they show up to cast a ballot for the first time.

— Contact Sandra Chereb at schereb@reviewjournal.com or 775-461-3821. Find her on Twitter: @SandraChereb