League of Cities joins effort to increase voter turnout

The Nevada League of Cities will join the push to increase both voter registration and turnout in Nevada.

The league joined the ongoing effort by the state's Department of Cultural Affairs Advisory Committee on Participatory Democracy seeking to raise registration to 75 percent and turnout to 70 percent by 2008.

Studies have shown Nevada's voter participation vis ery low in comparison to most parts of the nation, as well as low in the quality of civics and citizenship education.

"We don't have to accept things the way they are," said Larry Struve, chairman of the advisory committee. "We can change the trend by educating citizens that democracy is a 'use it or lose it' proposition."

The league resolution urges local governments to establish policies to encourage participation in elective government.