Democrats edge out GOP among Nevada voters

Democrats now have 8,600 more registered voters in Nevada than Republicans, doubling the edge they held in September and building on the edge they first gained in April, according to state election data.

As of October, there were 420,146 registered Democrats and 411,498 registered Republicans out of the state's 1,036,462 registered voters. That means Democrats make up 40.5 percent of the electorate, Republicans 39.7 percent, with the rest nonpartisan or registered with minor parties.

In March, there were 140 more Republicans than Democrats. In April, Democrats gained the lead for the first time, by just over 200 voters.

The trend has continued. Democrats widened their edge every month since then, according to the data from the secretary of state's office.

The party touted the gains Wednesday as evidence the state is turning blue thanks to the excitement generated by the state's new early presidential caucuses.

"Democrats have been building a majority in the state over the past several months, but October's voter registration numbers are a strong indication that Democrats in Nevada are truly energized for the Jan. 19th caucus," Nevada Democratic Party Chairwoman Jill Derby said.

Republicans contend the state's population is not trending Democratic, it's just that Democrats are out registering people to vote right now, while Republicans will intensify their voter registration efforts as the election draws nearer.

"I don't believe the state is becoming more Democratic," Nevada Republican Party Executive Director Zac Moyle said. "I think Nevada will do the same thing it has in the last few years. It'll be a true swing state, and in the end, Republicans will make a push over the top."

Contact reporter Molly Ball at mball@reviewjournal.com or (702) 387-2919.