Nevada voter registration extension bill could be doomed

CARSON CITY — A committee vote to extend voter registration in Nevada has been postponed after Democratic opposition spelled doom for the measure.

Assembly Bill 440 would extend voter registration to the Friday before a primary or general election. Under existing law registration closes three weeks before an election.

Republicans on the Senate Committee of Legislative Operations and Elections are against the bill, arguing it could increase the potential for voter fraud.

But two Democrats on the committee, Sen. Kelvin Atkinson of North Las Vegas and Mark Manendo of Las Vegas, also questioned the need for the bill during a hearing Tuesday.

Democratic Chairwoman Patricia Spearman of North Las Vegas pleaded with her party colleagues to pass the bill and send the debate to the Senate floor. After they balked, she postponed the vote until Thursday.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.