The American state of Nevada is home to 3.1 million people and is likely best known for Las Vegas—the city of sin. However, this year, Nevada is significant as one of the swing or “battleground” states in the presidential elections in America.
“People in Nevada are somewhat of a paradox. They may be seen as a liberal state in some respects, as it was the first to allow divorce without fault. There is gambling in certain counties, and prostitution is permitted,” says Tom Riley, a professor and expert on democracy and citizenship at Arizona State University.
However, beneath the surface, it is very conservative in some aspects, Riley explains.
Nevada voted for Republicans from the late 1960s to the early 2000s. Since then, the two leading political parties have alternated in power.
The population of Nevada has more than tripled since 1980, with many new residents arriving from liberal California.
Economy and abortion key issues
“In Clark County, where Las Vegas is located, about 72 percent of the total number of voters in the state reside. Nevada has transformed from a rural mountainous western state to an urban state on the West Coast,” says Ken Miller, a political science professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Student David Cardenas notes the political divide in the state.
“There’s Las Vegas, and then there’s the rest of Nevada. From what I know, Vegas tends to lean more Democratic, while the rest of Nevada leans more Republican. Still, the majority of people live in Vegas,” he says.
Despite such population growth, the working class predominates in Nevada, where many residents hold blue-collar jobs.
“Issues like wages, unemployment, housing affordability, general inflation, and gas prices—all these affect people in Nevada a bit more than might be the case in some other states,” Miller adds.
Students at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, spoke to Voice of America about some key issues for them. Some have just turned 18 and this will be their first election.
“Definitely abortion, definitely the economy. What else? Education, too,” says student Samantha Adam.
Cardenas states that the most important issues for him are the economy and borders.
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Vegas could determine the winner of the election in America
Student Charles Davis talked about his priorities.
“I’m somewhat of a poor kid in college. I wish I could afford better food. I’d love to be able to work just one job and earn enough to meet all my needs,” he said.
When they vote in November, Nevada residents will also decide whether to add the right to abortion to the state constitution.
“This issue has already proven to significantly motivate turnout in previous elections. I don’t think this time will be any different,” says Rebecca Gill, director of the Nevada Institute for Women’s Policy Research, to Voice of America.
However, Miller warns that no one should underestimate former President Donald Trump’s chances of winning in this state.
The significance of Nevada for the outcome of the election in November is why both candidates—former President Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris—have campaigned extensively in the state. What happens in Vegas could determine who will lead America for the next four years.
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Source: Glas Amerike
Photo: AP