Isabella Carter
The Nevada Constitution, the highest law within the state, has been amended over 112 times since it was first approved on October 31, 1864. The process of amending the constitution involves three paths: a constitutional convention, a legislatively referred constitutional amendment, or an initiated constitutional amendment. A simple majority vote of the electorate is required to call a convention, while a two-thirds vote of the Nevada State Legislature is needed to refer a constitutional convention question to the ballot. An initiated constitutional amendment, on the other hand, requires citizen-led ballot measures with signatures totalling 10% of the votes from the preceding general election, and a simple majority vote in two consecutive elections for voter approval. Amendments to the Nevada Constitution have addressed a range of issues, including suffrage, taxation, marriage equality, and the protection of fundamental rights such as freedom of religious worship.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of amendments | 112+ |
| Number of articles | 19 |
| Methods to amend constitution | Constitutional convention, legislatively referred constitutional amendment, initiated constitutional amendment |
| Legislatively referred constitutional amendment | Requires a simple majority vote in two consecutive legislative sessions |
| Initiated constitutional amendment | Requires signatures from 10% of voters in the preceding general election and a simple majority vote in two consecutive elections |
| Constitutional convention | Requires a two-thirds vote of the Nevada State Legislature and a simple majority vote of the electorate |
| Ratification | Amendments are ratified by a majority vote of registered voters |
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What You'll Learn
Constitutional convention
The Nevada Constitution can be amended via three different paths: a constitutional convention, a legislatively referred constitutional amendment, or an initiated constitutional amendment.
A constitutional convention is a gathering of elected representatives for the purpose of drafting or revising a constitution. In the context of Nevada, a constitutional convention can be used to propose amendments to the state's constitution.
According to Section 2 of Article 16 of the Nevada Constitution, there are specific steps that must be followed to initiate a constitutional convention:
- A two-thirds vote of the Nevada State Legislature is required to refer a constitutional convention question to the ballot. This means that there must be significant support among the legislators to even consider a potential amendment.
- Once the question is on the ballot, a simple majority vote of the electorate is required to call for a convention. This means that a majority of voters must support the idea of holding a constitutional convention to address the proposed amendment.
If the above conditions are met, a constitutional convention can be convened. The convention would typically include representatives from different parts of the state, ensuring that various perspectives and interests are considered. The delegates to the convention would engage in discussions, debates, and negotiations to draft and refine the proposed amendment.
It is important to note that the convention itself does not have the power to amend the constitution directly. Instead, it serves as a forum for developing and refining the amendment proposal. Once the convention finalises the amendment language, it typically goes back to the people for approval. This approval process may involve putting the amendment on the ballot during an election, allowing voters to have the final say on whether the amendment should be enacted.
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Legislatively referred amendment
The Nevada Constitution can be amended through three different routes: a constitutional convention, a legislatively referred constitutional amendment, or an initiated constitutional amendment. This response will focus on the process of a legislatively referred constitutional amendment.
A legislatively referred constitutional amendment is when the Nevada State Legislature proposes and passes an amendment. A simple majority vote is required for the amendment to pass during two successive legislative sessions. This amounts to a minimum of 22 votes in the Nevada State Assembly and 11 votes in the Nevada State Senate, assuming no vacancies. Once the amendment has passed both houses, it is sent to the people for a vote.
For the amendment to be ratified, it must be approved by a majority of registered votes. If the amendment is approved, the constitution is officially amended. For example, the second amendment was proposed and passed by the 1993 Legislature and then agreed to and passed by the 1995 Legislature. It was then approved and ratified by voters at the 1996 General Election.
Another example is the amendment regarding the right to vote. The proposed amendment was agreed to and passed by the 2007 Legislature. It was then approved and ratified by voters at the 2008 General Election. This amendment stated that all citizens of the United States aged 18 years and above who have resided in the state for at least 30 days preceding an election are entitled to vote.
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Initiated amendment
The Nevada Constitution can be amended via three paths, one of which is an initiated constitutional amendment. This is a citizen-initiated ballot measure that amends a state's constitution. Eighteen states allow citizens to initiate constitutional amendments.
In Nevada, the number of signatures required for an initiated constitutional amendment is equal to 10% of the total number of votes cast in the preceding general election. A simple majority vote in two consecutive elections is required for voter approval.
For example, a legislatively referred constitutional amendment requires a simple majority vote during two successive legislative sessions for the Nevada State Legislature to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot. This amounts to a minimum of 22 votes in the Nevada State Assembly and 11 votes in the Nevada State Senate, assuming no vacancies.
The Nevada Constitution was last amended on November 5, 2024, when voters approved two amendments.
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Ratification
The Nevada Constitution is the highest law within the state of Nevada and defines the structure, power, and limits of the state government, as well as the basic rights and responsibilities of Nevada citizens. It has been amended over 112 times since its creation in 1864.
There are three paths to amend the Nevada Constitution: a constitutional convention, a legislatively referred constitutional amendment, or an initiated constitutional amendment.
A legislatively referred constitutional amendment requires a majority of all members of both houses to pass the proposed amendment. The proposed amendment must then pass the next consecutive biennial session. If it passes, the proposed amendment is sent to the people for a vote. If the majority of registered votes pass the amendment, the constitution is amended.
An initiated constitutional amendment is a citizen-initiated ballot measure that amends a state's constitution. Nevada is one of 18 states that allow citizens to initiate constitutional amendments. This process requires signatures from at least 10% of the total number of votes cast in the preceding general election, as well as a simple majority vote in two consecutive elections for voter approval.
A constitutional convention is the third method of amending the Nevada Constitution. According to Section 2 of Article 16 of the Nevada Constitution, a two-thirds vote of the Nevada State Legislature is required to refer a constitutional convention question to the ballot. A simple majority vote of the electorate is then needed to call the convention.
Once an amendment is proposed, it must be ratified to become part of the Nevada Constitution. Ratification occurs when the proposed amendment is approved and passed by the people of Nevada, either through a general election or a special election. The process of ratification ensures that any changes to the state constitution reflect the will of the people and are consistent with their values and beliefs.
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Voter approval
The Nevada Constitution can be amended via three paths: a constitutional convention, a legislatively referred constitutional amendment, or an initiated constitutional amendment.
An initiated constitutional amendment is a citizen-led ballot measure that amends a state's constitution. Nevada is one of 18 states that allow citizens to initiate constitutional amendments. To get an initiated constitutional amendment on the ballot in Nevada, signatures from at least 10% of the total number of voters in the preceding general election are required. Once on the ballot, a simple majority vote in two consecutive elections is required for voter approval.
Legislatively referred constitutional amendments follow a different process. First, a proposed amendment must pass with a simple majority in the Nevada State Legislature, requiring at least 22 votes in the Assembly and 11 in the Senate. The proposed amendment must then pass again in the next consecutive legislative session. If it passes both times, the proposed amendment is sent to the people for a vote. If a majority of registered voters approve the amendment, the constitution is amended.
Constitutional conventions are another way to amend the Nevada Constitution. According to Article 16, Section 2 of the Nevada Constitution, a two-thirds vote of the Nevada State Legislature is required to refer a constitutional convention question to the ballot. A simple majority vote of the electorate is then needed to call the convention. The convention delegates are elected, and the constitution can be amended by the convention.
The Nevada Constitution has been amended over 112 times since its creation in 1864. The most recent amendments were approved by voters on November 5, 2024, and took effect on November 26, 2024.
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Frequently asked questions
The Nevada Constitution can be amended via three paths: a constitutional convention, a legislatively referred constitutional amendment, or an initiated constitutional amendment.
A legislatively referred constitutional amendment is when a majority of all members of both houses pass a proposed amendment. The amendment must then pass the next consecutive biennial session. If it passes, the proposed amendment is sent to the people for a vote. If the majority of registered votes pass the amendment, the constitution is amended.
An initiated constitutional amendment is a citizen-initiated ballot measure that amends a state's constitution. Eighteen states allow citizens to initiate constitutional amendments. In Nevada, this requires signatures from 10% of the total number of votes cast in the preceding general election, as well as a simple majority vote in two consecutive elections for voter approval.
