Voter Guide

Midterm Election Voter Guide

Please make sure your Voter Registration is up to date by visiting voteamerica.com

Since 1996, this LGBTQIA+ and Progressive Voter Guide has been produced by NevadaImpact.com and distributed through various publications and online. While this guide is edited by long-time, human rights activist, Rob Schlegel, it’s the work of numerous individuals that know the candidates and research the races.

This year’s guide is made available in print in QVegas, online at NevadaImpact.com and qlifemedia.com/voter-guide.

Technically, Nevada Impact is non-partisan but due to the issues we care about, you’ll find we usually endorse Democrats – but not always. Our issues include racial, sexual and gender equality, women’s right of choice, access to voting, comprehensive immigration reform, a living wage and other issues impacting human rights.

Because of the nature of our political system, party affiliation is necessary to get most issues passed. Good examples of that would be Nevada’s employment non-discrimination act, passed in 1999 or the repeal of the “sodomy law” in 1993. Those are two of dozens of human rights issues that would not have been passed, had the Democratic Party not had the majority in the state legislature

We have more to do, both here in the state and nationwide.

The only way democracy can work is if we all vote. While one party may claim “election fraud,” and make it harder to vote, it’s primarily to discourage you from voting. That allows the radical right, which is a minority, to gain control of our elected offices. Please help save democracy by making sure you vote. Go two steps further. Use this guide and make sure your friends and family vote, as well.

Early voting starts Oct. 22 and runs through Nov. 4, 2022. Election Day voting is Tuesday, Nov. 8, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Publisher Note: The contents of the Nevada Impact Progressive Voter Guide have been determined by an independent committee assembled by Nevada Impact and does not reflect endorsement directly by QVegas, QLife Media, its publishers, employees, subsidiaries, or agents. We provide this guide as a service to the LGTBQ+ community in Southern Nevada.

 

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Voter Guide

CONGRESS

US SENATE

  • Cortez Masto, Catherine (D)

Nice to have people in the Senate who understand the rule of law. She is an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ equality. The Republican in this race is a tRumpster and his record on LGBTQ issues, women’s rights and anything possibly progressive, is pathetic. Even the Republicans are wary of this guy.

REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS DISTRICT 1

  • Titus, Dina, (D)

A lifetime record on our rights and best of all, she’s our friend in Washington.

REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS DISTRICT 2

  • Krause, Elizabeth Mercedes (D)

An educator, a Native American, a member of the Nevada Minority Affairs Commission, believes in depoliticizing immigration, fights for a living wage, a proud union member and believes in reproductive freedom. Mercedes would make an excellent Member of Congress.

REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS DISTRICT 3

  • Lee, Susie, (D)

Exemplary Member of Congress and a champion of everything we know to be right, fair and equal. We’re proud to endorse.

REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS DISTRICT 4

  • Horsford, Steven A. (D)

We absolutely must hold onto a D majority in the House. We need everyone to fight to get Steven Horsford re-elected. A champion on our issues.

STATEWIDE

GOVERNOR

  • Sisolak, Steve (D)

He’s done a good job and we absolutely must help the Dems retain the governorship. It’s important for the survival of democracy and women’s right to choose. The Republican, a popular Clark County Sheriff can’t be trusted on immigration, abortion, or progressive issues. Not only has he lied to the voters while Sheriff, but he’s also been clawing his way to the bottom, just to get the tRump endorsement.

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

  • Cano Burkhead, Elizabeth “Lisa” (D)

Great choice, has done a good job. Let’s keep her.

SECRETARY OF STATE

  • Aguilar Francisco “Cisco” (D)

This is an important office to keep integrity in our elections. The well-known Republican is an election denier, and doesn’t believe in mail-in ballots (despite being a regular user of them). The former Republican office holder (Barbara Cegavske) preserved Nevada’s election integrity. Jim Marchant, the GOP nominee, is being investigated as being one of the “fake electors” seeking to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

STATE TREASURER

  • Conine, Zach (D)

Great guy, no primary. Boyd law graduate. The well-known Republican nominee would be the fox guarding the henhouse.

STATE CONTROLLER

  • Spiegel, Ellen (D)

We know Ellen Spiegel to be solid on our issues.

ATTORNEY GENERAL

  • Ford, Aaron D. (D)

Supportive and fair. A person of his word. This is another office where you never want a Republican to be in charge. We’re proud of the great job AG Ford has done.

STATE SENATE DISTRICT 2

  • Flores, Edgar (D)

Believes in a community-led approach to legislation. Believes people impacted by out-dated marijuana laws should not be banned from licenses in this growing industry (as they are now). Favors expansion of the Nevada DREAM Act for DACA recipients.

STATE SENATE DISTRICT 8

  • Loop, Marilyn Dondero (D)

Consistently good on our issues. The Republican candidate doesn’t measure up.

STATE SENATE DISTRICT 9

  • Scheible, Melanie (D)

Solid on our issues.

STATE SENATE DISTRICT 10

●Donate, Fabian (D)

Made a name for himself in the last session. Focused on healthcare. Let’s keep him.

STATE SENATE DISTRICT 12

  • Pazina, Julie Ann (D)

Lost her last election by 24 votes. This shows how important your vote can be.

STATE SENATE DISTRICT 20

  • Foutz, Brent (D)

Not a lot of info on Foutz but he’s needed to caucus with the Dems just to help keep the majority. If the Dems lose the majority, nothing positive gets done!

STATE SENATE DISTRICT 21

  • Ohrenschall, James (D)

Supporters don’t get any stronger than him. He is consistently good on our issues.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 1

  • Monroe-Moreno, Daniele (D)

A strong supporter, and one of the better members of the Assembly.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 2

  • Christenson, Nick (D)

Great guy and deserves your vote.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 3

  • Torres, Selena Elizabeth (D)

Working to remove barriers to healthcare access, criminal justice reform and supports women’s right to choice. Very progressive.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 4

  • Burns, Darby Lee, (L)

He’s all about “decentralizing,” so we assume he would disband the legislature, given the chance.

McArthur, Richard (R)

He’s not good on our issues.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 5

  • Miller, Brittney (D)

An experienced legislator, working to improve education, criminal justice and government accountability.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 6

  • Summers-Armstrong, Shondra (D)

The incumbent and doing a great job.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 7

  • Miller, Cameron Homer “C.H.” (D)

The incumbent and doing a great job.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 8

  • Nguyen, Duy (D)

He knows the community, our issues and works hard.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 9

  • Yeager, Steve (D)

Has many progressive endorsements. Definitely in our corner.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 10

  • Nguyen, Rochelle (D)

Education, including assistance to DACA recipients and equitable access to healthcare are a few or her priorities. Let’s keep her in this office!

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 11

  • Duran, Beatrice "Bea (D)

A champion for raising the minimum wage, union activist and healthcare advocate. Let’s keep her in this position.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 12

  • Carter, II, Max E (D)

Endorsed by CCEA and at least six major unions and has the nod from the NV Assembly Democratic Caucus. This is the guy we want.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 13

  • Rucker, Will (D)

Believes in building equitable communities with universal access to ‘life, liberty, and happiness,’ plus he understands LGBTQ+ issues because he’s ‘one of us.’

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 14

  • Mosca, Erica (D)

Filipina, works in education and non-profits. Willing to listen and learn.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 15

  • Watts, Howard (D)

This smart-incumbent is fantastic on our issues. Plus, he’s a great guy!

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 16

  • González, Cecelia (D)

Self-identifies as a Thai-Mexican American LGBT+ woman, all areas that are under-represented in state government. Committed to helping us solve the homeless crisis in Southern Nevada.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 17

  • Thomas, Clara "Claire (D)

100% on our issues.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 18

Considine, Venicia" (D)

Awesome woman.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 19

  • Yurek, Thaddeus "Toby (R)

He was the best Republican in the primary and no Democrats ran for this seat. He will be elected.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 20

  • Orentlicher, David (D)

A doctor, a professor, and a lawyer walk into the bar of the Assembly … and pass legislation! He’s all that.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 21

  • Marzola, Elaine (D)

Has worked hard on labor, education, and judiciary issues. Has a degree in women’s studies from UNLV and a law degree, working as both an attorney and law clerk.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 22

  • Ramos, Rick (D)

Probably the most important thing we can say about Rick Ramos is that we need a Democrat in this office, rather than the conservative incumbent.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 23

  • Brickfield, Elizabeth, (D)

An amazing and remarkable attorney and socially conscious!

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 24

  • Sarah Peters (D)

100% on our issues.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 28

  • D'Silva, Reuben, (D)

Some very good points, mentions LGBTQ positively. He’s run before against progressive incumbents, which we didn’t like. That said, he’s ambitious and we urged him to run for a lower office first. This is a good spot for him and let’s let him prove his mettle.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 29

  • Cohen, Lesley Elizabeth, (D)

Incumbent and perfect for the job.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 30

  • Natha Anderson (D)

100% on our issues.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 34

  • Bilbray-Axelrod, Shannon (D)

Incumbent and great on our issues.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 35

  • Gorelow, Michelle, (D)

Incumbent and let’s keep her.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 36

  • Hafen, II, Gregory T (R)

Represents multiple counties (rural Clark, Lincoln and Nye).

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 37

  • Backus, Shea, (D)

Great on our issues.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 41

  • Jauregui, Sandra, (D)

She’s one of the reasons we have marriage equality in our state constitution.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 42

  • Brown-May, Tracy, (D)

Appointed last session but hit the ground running. Let’s keep her.

Clark County

COUNTY COMMISSIONER DISTRICT E

  • Segerblom, "Tick”, (D)

Incumbent. Great on our issues and that’ll never go up in smoke.

COUNTY COMMISSIONER DISTRICT F

  • Jones, Justin, (D)

Incumbent. Right on all our issues, all the time.

COUNTY COMMISSIONER DISTRICT G

  • ●Gibson, Jim, (D)

Incumbent. An ally on the Commission.

DISTRICT ATTORNEY

Wolfson, Steve, (D)

He’ll get elected and there’s little you can do about it.

COUNTY ASSESSOR

  • Johnson, Briana, (D)

Incumbent, doing a great job.

COUNTY CLERK

  • Goya, Lynn Marie, (D)

Incumbent. We genuinely like her.

COUNTY RECORDER

  • Conway, Debbie, (D)

Incumbent and doing a great job.

COUNTY TREASURER

  • Diaz, J. Ken, (D)

Experienced and trustworthy. Currently is #2 in command at this office. We’ve known and liked him for years.

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR

  • Reid, Rita Pate (D)

This is an office where the wrong person literally has a license to steal. Reid is the best choice.

STATE AND DISTRICT NON-PARTISAN OFFICES

JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT, SEAT A

  • Bell, Linda (NP)

JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT, SEAT E

  • Parraguirre, Ron D (NP)

COURT OF APPEALS, DEPT. 1

Forsberg, Rhonda K (NP)

Both candidates would be a stellar replacement for Jerry Tao. Rhonda has a family law background and currently serves as a judge in the 8th Judicial District Court.

  • Westbrook, Deborah (NP)

Experienced in both criminal and civil matters. Served for years as a public defender. She helped revise the rules of Appellate Procedure for Nevada. This is our choice.

COURT OF APPEALS, DEPT. 2

  • Gibbons, Michael (NP)

COURT OF APPEALS, DEPT. 3

  • Bulla, Bonnie (NP)

DISTRICT COURT JUDGE DEPARTMENT 9

  • Gall, Maria (NP)

Highly qualified and appointed to fill an unexpired term. Her opponent in this race is bad, bad news.

DISTRICT COURT JUDGE DEPARTMENT 11

Albertson, Anna (NP)

Has spent her career as a public defender, representing the disadvantaged. She is a member of Lambda, the LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce. This is a dual endorsement.

  • Roohani, Ellie, (NP)

Very progressive and just appointed. She is a former prosecutor, which we don’t normally endorse as a judge, but she is exceptional. This is a dual endorsement.

DISTRICT COURT JUDGE DEPARTMENT 17

  • Schwartz, Jennifer

Has spent decades fighting for legal equality and compassion. Participates in community betterment, understands that the judiciary is often biased due to socioeconomic status or color. Comes from the unique background of having grandparents that were Holocaust survivors.

DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, FAMILY DIVISION, DEPARTMENT A

  • Parlade, Mari D

Both David Jacks and Mari D Parlade appear to be well-qualified. Of the six persons running for this position, Jacks and Parlade are the only two who appear to have argued their credentials and community activism (the others only asked for campaign donations). Both have extensive experience in family law. Parlade has worked for the Clark County Family Services, so we’re giving the nod to her, but David Jacks could be a good choice.

REGENT STATE UNIVERSITY DISTRICT 6

  • Brown, Heather

REGENT STATE UNIVERSITY DISTRICT 7

  • Crete, David “Coach”

REGENT STATE UNIVERSITY DISTRICT 13

  • Moran, John, (NP)

Incumbent. The Regents sacked their chancellor at a cost of $610,000. Moran was on the right side of this controversy. Let’s keep him.

TRUSTEE, CLARK COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT D

Cepeda, Irene

This is a race where our endorsement board could not come to a consensus. We suggest voters visit https://votesmartnv.org/trustee/irene-capeda/ and read the responses this candidate has given to Battle Born Progress’ VoteSmartNV survey.

  • Zamora, Brenda

This is a race where our endorsement board could not come to a consensus. We suggest voters visit https://votesmartnv.org/trustee/brenda-zamora/and read the responses this candidate has given to Battle Born Progress’ VoteSmartNV survey. Brenda Zamora identifies as bisexual. The majority of the endorsement board, including Chris Giunchigliani, supports Brenda Zamora.

TRUSTEE, CLARK COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT F

Bustamante Adams, Irene

This is a race where our endorsement board could not come to a consensus. We suggest voters visit https://votesmartnv.org/trustee/irene-adams-bustamente/ and read the responses this candidate has given to Battle Born Progress’ VoteSmartNV survey.

  • Ford, Danielle

This is a race where our endorsement board could not come to a consensus. We would suggest voters visit https://votesmartnv.org/trustee but apparently Danielle Ford had not responded to Battle Born Progress’ VoteSmartNV survey before our deadline. The majority of the endorsement board, including Chris Giunchigliani, supports Danielle Ford.

TRUSTEE, CLARK COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT G

  • Cavazos, Linda P.

This is a race where our endorsement board could not come to a consensus. We suggest voters visit https://votesmartnv.org/trustee/linda-p-cavazos/ and read the responses this candidate has given to Battle Born Progress’ VoteSmartNV survey. The majority of the endorsement board, including Chris Giunchigliani, supports Linda Cavazos.

Wieman, Greg

This is a race where our endorsement board could not come to a consensus. We would suggest voters visit https://votesmartnv.org/trustee but apparently Greg Wieman did not respond to Battle Born Progress’ VoteSmartNV survey.

BOULDER CITY COUNCIL

  • James Howard Adams

Incumbent, has a really great grasp of the complexities and nuances of Boulder City. Strongly endorsed!

HENDERSON COUNCILPERSON, WARD III

  • Cox, Carrie

Tough race. Her opponent is a well-known real estate broker, endorsed by many conservatives. Carrie Cox was the only candidate to complete the Battle Born Progress’ VoteSmartNV survey, so we’re going with Carrie Cox.

LAS VEGAS CITY COUNCIL, WARD 4

  • Francis Allen-Palenske

A decent person and the best choice.

LAS VEGAS CITY COUNCIL, WARD 6

  • Nancy Brune

Great person, Latina, has her PhD., ran the Guinn Center for Policy Priorities.

NORTH LAS VEGAS MAYOR

  • Pat Spearman

State Senator, knows how to fight, understands our issues (she’s one of us), thoughtful but doesn’t delay. This City Council needs a leader and she’s the one for the job. Passed the bill to add transgender as a protected class. She also fought for legislation to upgrade discharges for LGBTQ service members. She helped change the game for LGBTQ foster parents and helped ban conversion therapy.

TOWNSHIP OFFICES (ALL NONPARTISAN)

CONSTABLE GOODSPRINGS TOWNSHIP

  • Rogers, Gary P

Incumbent, has done a good job and straightened out some accounting issues the office had during his first year. Has served 12 years.

CONSTABLE LAUGHLIN TOWNSHIP

  • Ross, Jordan, (NP)

Beneath his brusque exterior, lies a teddy bear.

CONSTABLE NORTH LAS VEGAS TOWNSHIP

  • Lopez, Jr., Delgado M, (NP)

Strong supporter of our community

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE LAS VEGAS TOWNSHIP DEPARTMENT 6

  • Goodey, Jessica (NP)

We’re endorsing her because she’s not Bill Gonzalez!

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE LAS VEGAS TOWNSHIP DEPARTMENT 7

  • Berkley, Max, (NP)

All day, every day! Worked in the Clark County Public Defender’s Office. He will be great on the bench and sympathetic to those with financial issues and poverty matters. His mom was our favorite Congresswoman!

Wilson, Amy, (NP)

Former LDS with emphasis on “former.” Represented kids in foster care, pro-bono. She is a member of Lambda, the LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce. We like her but we’re going with Max Berkley.

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE LAS VEGAS TOWNSHIP DEPARTMENT 9

Chio, Danielle "Pieper”, (NP)

She’s a great person, we like her but the incumbent has done a good job, so we’ll stick with Joe Banaventure.

  • Bonaventure, Joe, (NP)

Incumbent, fair and even on his rulings. (Don’t confuse him with the disgraced John Bonaventura.)

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE LAS VEGAS TOWNSHIP DEPARTMENT 10

  • Dotson, Cybil, (NP)

This is the best choice.

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE LAS VEGAS TOWNSHIP DEPARTMENT 13

  • Saxe, Rebecca, (NP)

She is a Clark County Public Defender and will work hard!

State Ballot Questions

State Question #1

Shall the Nevada Constitution be amending by adding a specific guarantee that equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by this State or any of its cities, counties, or other political subdivisions on account of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, ancestry, or national origin?

  • Yes

A yes vote secures the right of every Nevadan to be treated equally by the state. Those arguing to oppose this measure bring up a bunch of right-wing-radio blather that is totally discredited.

State Question #2

Shall the Nevada Constitution be amended, effective July 1, 2024, to (1) establish the State’s minimum wage that employers must pay to certain employees at a rate of $12 per hour worked, subject to any applicable increases above that $12 rate provided by federal law or enacted by the Nevada Legislature; (2) remove the existing provisions setting different rates for the minimum wage based on whether the employer offers certain health benefits to such employees; and (3) remove the existing provisions for adjusting the minimum wage based on applicable increases in the cost of living?

  • Yes

While we would prefer things like minimum wage weren’t in the Nevada Constitution, the fact is that they are. Minimum wages need to be adjusted as the cost-of-living increases and this amendment will allow for that. Let’s vote yes.

State Question #3

Shall the Nevada Constitution be amended to allow all Nevada voters the right to participate in open primary elections to choose candidates for the general election in which all voters may then rank the remaining candidates by preference for the offices of U.S. Senators, U.S. Representatives, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, State Controllers, Attorney General and State Legislators?

  • No

While there are some good arguments for this ballot question, this would allow outsiders to pour money into the state and they could easily snare the top two positions in a primary, forcing voters to decide between the best of two bad candidates. The argument that only party-affiliated voters can decide who runs to represent that party in the general election can be solved by those not-affiliated to simply join a party. Additionally, without the ability to “whip votes,” difficult issues such as human rights, likely would not pass if political parties are weakened, which this measure would do. Third party candidates are likely to play “spoiler” to a candidate from an established political party, than to win the election themselves. Odds are, those not affiliated with a particular party wouldn’t bother to vote in the primary anyway, so the measure does more harm than good. Vote NO.