Government responses to and political effects of the coronavirus pandemic, 2020 (Nevada)

This page covers political responses to the coronavirus pandemic in the state of Nevada.

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Ballotpedia’s coverage of COVID-19 includes how federal, state, and local governments are responding, and how those responses are influencing election rules and operations, political campaigns, the economy, schools, and more.

This article contains coverage of eight kinds of state government responses to the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. The article tracks developments in these areas that took place between the start of the pandemic in March 2020 through Dec. 4, 2020. The government responses covered here include:

• Changes to election dates and procedures in 2020
• Initial stay-at-home orders
• Executive orders
• Coronavirus-related legislation in 2020
• Changes to the state's 2020 legislative session
• Court closures
• The release of inmates
• Rent, mortgage, eviction, and foreclosure policies

Additionally, the article includes:

• Arguments related to the state's response to the coronavirus
• Individual industries and activities from May 15 through July 31
• The state's initial plan to reopen from March and April 2020 closures
• Coronavirus resources relevant to the state.

To view current coverage areas, including mask requirements, school responses, travel restrictions, and much more, click a state in the map below.

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Documenting_STATE%27s_path_to_recovery_from_the_coronavirus_(COVID-19)_pandemic,_2020-2021

Changes to election dates and procedures, March 16 through November 19

See also: Changes to election dates, procedures, and administration in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

General election changes

Nevada modified its absentee/mail-in voting procedures for the November 3, 2020, general election as follows:

• Absentee/mail-in voting: Mail-in ballots were sent to all registered voters in the general election.

For a full timeline about election modifications made in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, click here.

Primary election changes

Nevada modified its primary election process as follows:

• Voting procedures: Mail-in ballots sent to all registered voters in the primary election.

For a full timeline about election modifications made in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, click here.

Click the gray bar below for more detailed information.

• Nevada election changes (click to expand)

  August 3, 2020: Governor signs legislation providing for mail-in ballots to be sent automatically to all voters in the November 3, 2020, general election

  On August 3, 2020, Governor Steve Sisolak (D) signed AB4 into law, directing election officials to distribute mail-in ballots automatically to all active registered voters in the November 3, 2020, general election. The full text of the legislation can be accessed here.

  March 24, 2020: Nevada opts to conduct all voting in June 9, 2020, primary election by mail

  On March 24, 2020, Nevada Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske (R) announced plans to conduct all voting in the June 9, 2020, primary election by mail. Cegavske also announced that at least one in-person polling location would be open in each county on the day of the election.

  All active registered voters automatically received an absentee ballot by mail. Upon marking their ballots, voters returned them to election officials, either in-person or using a postage-prepaid envelope. The deadline to return completed ballots (postmarked or hand-delivered) was June 9, 2020. The press release announcing this plan is presented below.

  “

  (Carson City, NV; March 24, 2020) – Nevada Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske, in partnership with Nevada’s 17 county election officials, announces today plans to conduct an all-mail election for the June 9, 2020 primary election. All active registered voters in Nevada will be mailed an absentee ballot for the primary election. No action or steps, such as submitting an absentee ballot request application, will be required by individual voters in order to receive a ballot in the mail. Voters will be able to mark their ballot at home and then return it by mail using a postage-prepaid envelope or by dropping it off in person at a designated county location. This announcement applies only to the June 9, 2020 primary election. Secretary Cegavske seeks to reassure voters in Nevada that their health and safety while participating in voting is paramount to state and local election officials. “Because of the many uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the immediate need to begin preparations for the 2020 primary election, it became necessary for me to take action regarding how the election will be conducted,” said Cegavske. “Based on extensive conversations with Nevada’s 17 county election officials, we have jointly determined that the best option for the primary election is to conduct an all-mail election.” In order to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, federal and state health officials have discouraged group gatherings. The training of thousands of poll workers who support Nevada’s large in-person voter effort was scheduled to begin next week. The majority of Nevada’s poll workers belong to groups that are at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19. In order to maintain a high level of access to the ballot, while protecting the safety of voters and poll workers, the decision to conduct an all-mail primary election was made. Even though the majority of voters will be casting a mail ballot for the June 9, 2020 primary election, the high standard Nevada has set for ensuring the security, fairness, and accuracy of elections will still be met. Deputy Secretary of State for Elections Wayne Thorley said, “The priority of the Secretary of State’s Elections Division is to ensure every eligible Nevadan has the opportunity to safely vote in the primary election and that the integrity of the election is maintained. We are working with our 17 county election officials to implement the changes necessary to successfully administer this election.” In order to accommodate same-day voter registration, as well as assist voters who have issues with the ballot that was mailed to them, at least one in-person polling location will be available in each county for the June 9, 2020 primary election. These polling locations will be set up to ensure the safety of voters and poll workers alike. Because in-person voting opportunities will be extremely limited for the primary election, Nevadans are encouraged to register to vote now and not rely on the same-day registration process. Voters are also encouraged to confirm that their voter registration information is up-to-date, including mailing address and political party affiliation. Visit www.RegisterToVoteNV.gov to register to vote online or make updates to your existing voter record. Voters are reminded that absentee ballots must be dropped off in person by the close of polls on Election Day, or postmarked by Election Day. Ballots that are postmarked by Election Day and received no later than seven days after the election will be counted. Additionally, if a voter fails to sign the ballot return envelope or the voter’s signature does not match the one on file with the county election official, the voter will be contacted, and the voter will have up to the seventh day after the election to make the necessary correction. It is important to understand that these statutory deadlines will result in updating vote totals and election results for up to seven days after the election. Close races may remain undecided until all ballots are counted. All counties must certify the election results no later than 10 days after the election. For more information about the June 9, 2020 primary election, please contact the Secretary of State’s Elections Division at (775) 684-5705 or nvelect@sos.nv.gov.

  ”

Statewide stay-at-home order, March 23 through December 4

See also: States with lockdown and stay-at-home orders in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

On April 1, Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) issued Directive 10, which directed individuals in Nevada to stay home except for essential activities and closed nonessential businesses in the state. The stay-at-home order took effect immediately and was set to last until April 30. On April 29, Sisolak extended the order to May 15.

Directive 10 refers to a March 20 order detailing essential and nonessential businesses. That order is embedded below.

Executive orders, March 30 through June 29

See also: Executive orders issued by governors and state agencies in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

• State of Emergency declared
• COVID-19 Declaration of Emergency Director 001 – School Closure for K-12 COVID-19
• Declaration of Emergency Directive 002 – Closing of Gaming Establishments
• Declaration of Emergency Directive 003 – Closing of Non-Essential Businesses
• Declaration of Emergency Directive 004 – Closing of DMV and Licensing Regulations
• Declaration of Emergency Directive 005 – Closing of All Schools Until April 16
• Declaration of Emergency Directive 006 – Restrictions on Gatherings
• Declaration of Emergency Directive 007 – Public Gatherings
• Declaration of Emergency Directive 008 – Foreclosures and Evictions
• Declaration of Emergency Directive 009 Licensing
• Declaration of Emergency Directive 010 Stay at Home Order
• Declaration of Emergency Directive 011 Licensing
• 2020-04-01 – COVID-19 Declaration of Emergency Directive 012 re: Activation of the Nevada National Guard
• 2020-04-08 Declaration of Emergency Directive 013
• 2020-04-14 – COVID-19 Declaration of Emergency Directive 014

Court closures, March 17 through November 4

See also: State court closures in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

• As of March 31, 2020, courts across the state remained open. Individual courts were allowed to place restrictions on high-risk individuals entering a courthouse. Courthouses in Carson City and Las Vegas are limiting public access.

Legislative session changes, March 20 through October 1

See also: Changes to state legislative session dates in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

The Nevada State Legislature convened a special session on July 8, 2020, and adjourned on July 19, 2020. The legislature convened another special session on July 31, 2020. That special session adjourned on August 5, 2020.

Proposed and enacted legislation, March 25 through August 19

See also: State laws in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

See below for a complete list of bills related to the coronavirus pandemic in Nevada. To learn more about a particular bill, click its title. This information is provided by BillTrack50 and LegiScan.

Rent, mortgage, eviction, and foreclosure policies, April 9 through November 24

See also: Changes to rent, mortgage, eviction, and foreclosure policies in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

• October 15, 2020: Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) declined to extend the statewide moratorium on evictions, allowing it to expire.
• June 25, 2020: Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) signed an order that allowed residential summary evictions to resume for actions that did not include the non-payment of rent, including violations of controlled substance laws and nuisance, on July 1. Evictions for non-payment of rent would resume September 1. The order allowed landlords and lenders to begin eviction actions on commercial tenancies and mortgages beginning July 1.
• March 29, 2020: Gov. Sisolak announced a moratorium on evictions during COVID-19 crisis.

Prison inmate release responses, March 30 through July 1

See also: State and local governments that released prison inmates in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

• April 30, 2020: The Nevada Supreme Court declined a petition filed by an inmate to release vulnerable and elderly prisoners due to the coronavirus pandemic. The court stated that there was a dispute of facts between the inmate who filed the petition and the Nevada Department of Corrections. The court also dismissed on procedural grounds efforts to make the case a class action that applies broadly to other vulnerable inmates. In their unanimous opinion, the court stated that their observations were consistent with other state courts faced with the same issue, citing similar decisions in Kansas and Washington.

Debate in Nevada over responses to the coronavirus

See also: Debate in Nevada over responses to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

Ballotpedia is covering the debate over continuing restrictions and closures in Nevada in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Click on the links below to read more about these debates.

• Debate over the stay-at-home order
• Debate over school closures
• Debate over religious service restrictions
• Debate over election policy

Initial reopening plan from March and April 2020 closures

Nevada released an initial reopening plan from March and April 2020 closures on April 30, 2020. An analysis of this plan appeared in our Documenting America's Path to Recovery newsletter on May 1. The sections below include an analysis of the plan, the details of the plan, and reactions from officials to the plan.

Summary from Documenting America's Path to Recovery

See also: Documenting America's Path to Recovery: May 1, 2020

Thursday, Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) released "Nevada United: Roadmap to Recovery" outlining a four-phase plan for reopening the state. The timing of each phase will be based on meeting public health criteria.

Criteria for implementing Phase 1, which covers reopening some businesses and activities and relaxing stay-at-home provisions, include a 14-day downward trajectory of new cases and hospitalizations, the ability to maintain hospital capacity without crisis standards of care, and expanded testing ability. Additional criteria for this and other phases are summarized below. The target date for implementing Phase 1 is May 15.

On April 29, Sisolak released a directive initiating what he called Pre-Phase 1. The directive extends the state's stay-at-home order to May 15 and allows retail businesses to open for curbside pickup. It allows golf, tennis, and pickleball activities to resume with sanitation and social distancing measures. It also allows drive-up religious services to begin under certain conditions. The directive went into effect today.

Sisolak says his plan will be "federally supported, state managed, and locally executed." The plan states that "county governments will be empowered to tailor specific restrictions on business and public life, as long as those restrictions do not go below the strict standards the state issues in a future emergency directive for Phase 1 and future phases."

The plan establishes a Local Empowerment Advisory Panel and lists as members Clark and Eureka County Board of Commissioners chairs, representatives from the Nevada Association of Counties and the governor's office, and directors of the Nevada Department of Business and Industry and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development. The panel will provide guidance to counties and to the governor's office throughout reopening.

The plan says the state will establish social distancing policies for each phase of reopening.

It also specifies that the Nevada Gaming Control Board will make decisions on reopening casinos.

The plan cites guidance from medical experts, the National Governors Association, the Western States Pact, the American Enterprise Institute, the White House, and the Centers for Disease Control.

Context

* Sisolak declared a state of emergency in Nevada March 13. He issued a stay-at-home order originally effective April 1-30. On April 29, Sisolak extended the stay-at-home order to May 15.

• Nevada had 5,227 cases of COVID-19 as of May 1 and 243 deaths as of April 30. That is 170 cases per 100,000 residents and eight deaths per 100,000 residents.
• Nevada joined the Western States Pact—consisting of Colorado, California, Oregon, Washington, and Nevada—April 27. Sisolak's office described the pact as "a working group of Western state governors with a shared vision for modifying stay at home and fighting COVID-19."
• Nevada is a Democratic trifecta, with a Democratic governor and Democratic majorities in the state House and Senate.

Plan details

Social distancing The plan says "current Nevada statewide social distancing measures for COVID-19 are expected to continue into Phase 1 and will be subject to review as the State transitions into future phases."

Social distancing measures include (but are not limited to):

• No gatherings of 10 or more people
• Vulnerable populations staying home until the outbreak has subsided
• Travelers self-quarantining for 14 days
• Communities and individuals:
  • Wearing face coverings when going out
  • Staying at home as much as possible
  • Staying within one's county as much as possible
  • Keeping at least six feet of distance from others
  • Avoiding nonessential travel
• Employers:
  • Encouraging telework where possible
  • Returning to work in phases if possible
  • Closing common areas

Current phase Sisolak's April 29 directive included the following allowances, effective May 1:

• All retail businesses allowed to operate curbside or do home deliveries. Must adopt sanitation and distancing measures issued by the Nevada State Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
• Golf, tennis, and pickleball activities allowed to resume if they comply with social distancing and sanitation requirements
• Drive-up religious services allowed as long as people stay in vehicles and maintain six feet of distance from people not in their household

Phase 1 Criteria for implementing Phase 1:

• "Consistent and sustainable downward trajectory of COVID-19 cases and decrease in the trend of COVID19 hospitalizations over a 14-day period."
• "Ability to maintain hospital capacity without Crisis Standards of Care"
• "Expanded ability for healthcare providers to administer tests for symptomatic patients and sufficient laboratory testing capacity to process COVID-19 testing samples."
• "Sufficient public health workforce capacity in local and state health departments to conduct case contact tracing (detect, test, trace, isolate)"
• "Sustained ability to protect vulnerable populations; outbreaks minimized in special settings like health facilities and nursing homes."

Phase 1 includes:

• Reopening of outdoor spaces, small businesses, and select retail under strict social distancing, hygiene, and occupancy measures.
• No events or gatherings of more than 10 people.
• Relaxing the stay-at-home order, moving to safer-at-home
• Encouraging face coverings
• Vulnerable populations staying home

The plan says Phase 1 has an "[a]nticipated evaluation period based upon metrics for an estimated 2-3 weeks."

Phase 2 Criteria for implementing Phase 2:

The plan states, "By the end of Phase 1, the State of Nevada and local government partners will have successfully expanded the public health infrastructure to a capacity to scale, allowing for widespread point-of-care testing, largescale case contact tracing, and the ability to care for vulnerable populations."

Phase 2 includes:

• Broader opening of retail, services, and public life under "extremely strict social distancing measures, hygiene, and occupancy controls."
• Safer-at-home recommendations remaining in place
• Vulnerable populations staying home
• Encouraging face coverings

Phase 2's duration is "[d]ependent upon progress toward goals and sustained ability to meet the criteria. Minimum of 2-3 weeks needed to assess and evaluate data and trends throughout phase."

Phases 3 and 4 Phase 3 will involve easing measures on some public gatherings and nonessential travel with modified operations. Vulnerable populations will be directed to remain home.

In Phase 4, most or all businesses can reopen with enhanced hygiene practices.

The plan cites the American Enterprise Institute's guidelines, which call for the "availability of therapeutics that can help mitigate the risk of spread or reduce serious outcomes in those with infections—or alternatively a vaccine has been developed and tested for safety and efficacy" before entering the final phase.

Coronavirus resources

Click the links below to explore official resources related to the coronavirus outbreak.

State resources

• Office of the Governor of Nevada
• Nevada Department of Health
• Nevada Department of Education

Twitter feeds for government officials and agencies appear below.

Federal resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
• National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor
• U.S. Department of Education
• World Health Organization

See also

• Documenting America's Path to Recovery
• Nevada’s path to recovery from the coronavirus pandemic
• School responses in Nevada to the coronavirus pandemic
• School responses to the coronavirus pandemic by state
• COVID-19 vaccine distribution by state
• Travel restrictions by state
• Federal government responses to the coronavirus pandemic

Footnotes