Nevada Governor Vetoes Bill on Firearms at Election Sites
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo recently vetoed a bill aimed at banning firearms at election locations, a decision that goes against the preferences of a significant number of Nevada residents. This move hinders efforts to bolster protections against intimidation at polling centers, a measure already in place in states like Florida and Texas.
The proposed legislation, NV A.B. 105, sought to ban firearms within 100 feet of polling stations, central counting areas, and drop boxes. The policy is backed by organizations such as the Brennan Center and various gun violence prevention groups who see it as a sensible measure to protect the democratic process. A 2025 poll conducted by Everytown for Gun Safety revealed that 70 percent of Nevada voters felt firearms should not be present at polling sites. Despite this, a similar bill was vetoed by Lombardo in 2023.
Instances of political violence and voter intimidation have been on the rise, with firearms playing a role in some of these incidents. In 2022, armed individuals from a right-wing militia were stationed near drop boxes in Arizona, causing concern among voters. Additionally, after the 2020 election, individuals carrying guns and dressed in military attire assembled outside a Las Vegas vote-counting site, shouting slogans like “Stop the steal.” The Nevada bill aimed to prevent such armed intimidation.
Lombardo argued that the bill was redundant with existing laws, though current Nevada statutes criminalize voter intimidation only when it is intentional. A firearm’s mere presence can be intimidating regardless of intent, presenting the bill as an opportunity to alleviate fears surrounding gun violence at polling sites for voters and election staff.
In contrast to Nevada’s approach, several states have long prohibited firearms at polling locations, acknowledging the risks guns pose to uninhibited voting. States like Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas enforce such bans, with recent additions including Colorado, Massachusetts, New Mexico, and Vermont. The Supreme Court supports these policies, acknowledging polling places as “sensitive locations” where firearms present heightened dangers.
With voter intimidation and gun violence continuing nationwide, adopting measures to guard against these threats, especially those involving firearms, is crucial. The veto from Nevada’s governor leaves voters and election employees without additional protections from such risks.
