So far Nevada is the only state with a ‘none of the above’ option on the ballot, although ‘live free or die’ New Hampshire has toyed with the idea. Critics of the language see it as a cop out for apathetic voters who can’t be bothered to educate themselves on the candidates.
Proponents see the option as a powerful means of protest for those who think that all of the candidates are equally unelectable.
In any event, a recent decision by the US Supreme Court means that Nevada voters can continue to check ‘none of the above’ on their ballot. We discuss the implications.
Prof. Eric Herzik, Chair, Political Science Department University of Reno, NV