CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — Nevada senators have approved a bill that would dump Nevada's caucus system and replace it with a primary to choose presidential nominees.

Senators voted 11-9 on Tuesday to approve SB421. The measure now moves to the Assembly.

The measure would preserve Nevada's influential position as one of the earliest states to nominate a presidential candidate. But it would change the selection process from a gathering of only the most motivated party activists to a regular election among all voters.

The bill was amended Monday to allow Democrats to opt out of the caucus system. Democrats opposed the bill and said moving the primary date to February would reduce voter turnout.

Caucus opponents say the process gives an edge to marginal candidates whose supporters can take over the gatherings.