Democrats have advantage over GOP in Nevada voters

CARSON CITY - Nevada Democrats gathered at their national convention in Charlotte, N.C., have good news for President Barack Obama: Twice as many Nevadans registered to vote as Democrats than Republicans in August, and more people signed up as nonpartisans than Republicans.

Because of their registration surge since May, Democrats statewide hold a 55,716 advantage of registered voters over Republicans, close to the 60,101-voter edge they held for the 2010 general election.

Since the May primary, Democrats in Nevada have added 30,163 voters; Republicans, 13,209; and nonpartisans, 11,172.

As a result, the Republicans must count on most of the 186,941 nonpartisans voting their way to carry Mitt Romney and their legislative candidates to victory in November.

The registration figures show voters have been shying away from both parties.

As it stands now, 10,847 more people have registered as nonpartisans since the 2010 election, while the number of Democrats is down 7,690 and and the number of Republicans is off by 3,398.

The number of active registered voters is 2,740 fewer than two years ago, an indication of the state's population declining or people failing to register to vote.

More than 60,000 voters were removed from the active voting rolls early this year when voter information mailed to them by registrars was returned for the wrong address.

But in August, the number of active registered Democrats in Nevada increased by 12,163, while Republicans added 5,042. Nonpartisan registrations rose by 5,495. This jump in Democratic registrations comes though the Republican National Committee in late July gave state Republicans $166,000 for a registration effort.

Assembly Minority Leader Pete Goicoechea, R-Eureka, believes the party will make registration gains now that differences between the leaders of his party are healing and the Republican convention is over.

"We have some loose cannons in the party, but the rank-and-file Republicans are out there," said Goicoechea, running for a state Senate seat that includes part of Clark County. "I think you will see it come together. We have to get together."

Washoe County Republican Chairman Dave Buell said the rift in his party is being overblown . "It's only a small minority of people with problems. ... But the registration change is worrisome."

Democrats surpassed Republicans in registration by only 122 voters in August in Washoe County, which pundits believe is the county that will decide whether Obama or Romney wins Nevada.

Republicans hold a 3,464 voter advantage in Washoe County.

Contact Capital Bureau Chief Ed Vogel at evogel@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3901.