With the June 5, 2012 Presidential Primary Election approaching, the Nevada County Registrar of Voters’ Office wants voters to be aware of some changes in the presidential Primary election process.

Assistant county clerk-Recorder Gail Smith says the changes came about when California voters approved Proposition 14 in June 2010.  The proposition created an open primary for a number of offices.

Primary election changes 1

That means each voter, regardless of their party affiliation or the candidates’ party affiliation, will have many more candidates to choose from. Another change is the top two vote-getters in the above contests will move on to the general election.

Primary election changes 2

Another significant change in what the voters will see on their ballots are newly drawn districts..  Every 10 years, following the census, district lines are redrawn to balance population among the districts.  The June election is being conducted with new district lines for Congress, State Senate, and State Assembly.  Previously, Nevada County was entirely in the 4th Congressional District.  Now most of the county is in the 1st Congressional District while part of Truckee remains in the 4th Congressional District.  For State Senate, Nevada County was previously in the 1st and 4th Districts.  The entire county is now in the 1st State Senate District.  Nevada County was previously in the 3rd State Assembly District.  The entire county is now in the 1st State Assembly District.

To vote in the June 5, 2012 Presidential Primary Election, you must be registered to vote.  The deadline to register to vote in this election is May 21, 2012.