Lawmakers debate assembly bill 4 99 amid privacy and data collection concerns

Concerns over voter privacy and data security took center stage during the Nevada Assembly Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections meeting on April 8, 2025. The committee discussed Assembly Bill 499, which aims to enhance mail-in voting processes but has drawn significant opposition regarding its data collection requirements.

Former Assemblywoman Claire Thomas voiced strong objections to the bill, highlighting the potential risks associated with collecting sensitive personal information, including full Social Security numbers and birthplaces. "This is highly susceptible to fraud," she warned, emphasizing the need for a more secure approach to voter registration that does not compromise citizens' privacy.

The bill's provisions, which include a mechanism for signature curing and the transmission of voter data from the DMV, were met with mixed reactions. While some local election officials expressed support for the bill's intent, they raised concerns about the implementation and the need for confidentiality regarding the information shared with election authorities.

Cadence Matijevich from Washoe County acknowledged the importance of the bill but stressed the necessity of ensuring that the implementation aligns with the intended privacy protections. "We want to make sure that we aren't slowing ourselves down by adding that," she noted, referring to the signature curing process.

As the committee concluded the hearing, Speaker Steve Yeager reiterated the commitment to improving the election process while acknowledging the challenges ahead. "Mail-in ballots are here to stay, but we can do things better," he stated, promising to address the feedback received and work on amendments before the upcoming deadline.

The discussions surrounding AB 499 underscore the ongoing balancing act between enhancing voting accessibility and safeguarding voter privacy in Nevada's evolving electoral landscape.