News 4-Fox 11 to host debate on Question 3, Nevada's ranked choice voting initiative
RENO, Nev. (News 4 & Fox 11) — News 4-Fox 11 is proud to announce we will be hosting a televised debate next month on Question 3, the ballot measure that would change Nevada's constitution to institute open primaries and ranked choice voting.
The debate, which will be moderated by political reporter and Ballot Battleground: Nevada host Ben Margiott, aims to educate and inform voters about the possible benefits and pitfalls of the controversial initiative.
Representatives for both campaigns will participate in a half-hour debate, which will air on Oct. 15 at 4:30 p.m. on KRNV News 4 and be simulcast on our sister station KRXI Fox 11.
We hope to spark a productive conversation about a ballot initiative that would drastically change how elections are run in the Silver State. Question 3, which passed in the 2022 election by a 6% margin, would take effect ahead of the 2026 election if it were to pass again in 2024.
Two participants from each side will be participating in the Oct. 15 debate. Reggie Burton, director of communications for the Yes on 3 campaign, and Mike Escobar, veteran and Reno resident, will be advocating for its passage.
"I'm looking forward to participating in the conversation about how Nevada's closed primary system excludes 1 million Nevada voters. Many of our military veterans and first responders are Independent voters, and they are being denied an equal voice in our elections. Question 3 gives all voters a right to vote in our primary elections that our tax dollars pay for," said Escobar.
Amber Falgout, communications director for Battle Born Progress, and Kerry Durmick, Nevada state director for All Voting is Local, will be advocating against its passage.
"I am honored to participate in a debate focusing on Question 3. This measure seeks to implement rank-choice voting which many find confusing and complicated. Advocates agree that this change to our voting system is unnecessary and overly complicated. I look forward to discussing this ballot question with my esteemed colleague, Kerry Durmick," said Falgout.
Margiott, who has spent 8 years covering Nevada politics at News 4-Fox 11, hosts a weekly podcast that breaks down important political issues for Silver State voters.
"I'm thrilled and honored by the opportunity to host this critically important conversation. Question 3 would upend how Nevada's elections are held and we believe it warrants a careful and close examination so Nevadans feel more educated when casting their ballot this November," Margiott said.
News 4-Fox 11 is planning to ask viewer questions about open primaries and ranked choice voting in the debate. Do you have a question about this ballot measure you'd like us to ask? Email our newsroom at news@mynews4.com and put 'Question 3 debate' in the subject line or tag KRNV News 4 on Facebook or X. You can also use the official debate hashtag #NVQ3Debate.
General manager Amie Chapman added, "News 4-Fox 11 has always strived to use our platforms to boost civic engagement and awareness during election season. We are grateful to all the guests for participating in a thoughtful conversation on this topic."
Listen to an episode of Ballot Battleground: Nevada where host Ben Margiott explains Question 3 in more detail with the Guinn Center: (episode recorded in April)