Elections » Voters

Advisory Committee on Participatory Democracy

Print
Font Size: + -

The Advisory Committee on Participatory Democracy (ACPD), created pursuant to NRS Chapter 225, is charged with assisting the Secretary of State in identifying and proposing programs that support participatory democracy and solutions to any problem concerning the level of participatory democracy in Nevada. The Advisory Committee makes recommendations concerning programs, activities, and events that promote citizen participation in governance, and may support projects by national, state, and local entities that encourage and advance participatory democracy. The Advisory Committee may also honor citizens who perform exemplary service in promoting participatory democracy in Nevada with the "Jean Ford Democracy Award."

 

Committee Composition

The Advisory Committee on Participatory Democracy consists of the Secretary of State or his designee and not more than 9 appointed members. When appointing members to the Advisory Committee, the Secretary of State considers political, geographical, and demographical factors.

The Secretary of State selects a Chair from among the Committee’s members and designates an employee of the Office of the Secretary of State to serve as Secretary for the Committee. The Chair appoints a Vice Chair from among the members of the Committee.  

Each member of the Advisory Committee on Participatory Democracy serves at the pleasure of the Secretary of State for a 2-year term ending on June 30 of the appropriate year. If a vacancy occurs, the Secretary of State appoints a new member to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the unexpired term.  Members of the ACPD serve without compensation.

Current ACPD Appointees 

 Name

 County     

 Term Ends                         
 Jackie Simmons Reade, Chair  Washoe   6/30/2024
 Michael Stewart, Vice-Chair   Washoe  6/30/2025
 Ruben J. Rodriguez, Secretary  Clark  SOS Representative
 Kristopher Dahir  Washoe  6/30/2025
 Amy Tarkanian   Douglas  6/30/2025
 Pauline Lee  Clark  6/30/2025
 Carlos Padilla  Clark  6/30/2024
 Derek Rimson  Clark  6/30/2024
 Tammi Tiger  Clark  6/30/2024
 Daniel Lee  Clark  6/30/2024
 

Emeritus ACPD Members

    

Name

 County            

 Term Ends
 Dr. Sondra Cosgrove, Former Chair  Clark               4/6/2024                                            
 Douglas Goodman, Former Vice-Chair  Washoe  4/6/2024

 

Duties of the Advisory Committee

As a member appointed to the Advisory Committee, you are making a commitment to public service and must complete an Oath of Office and the Acknowledgement of Statutory Ethical Standards. Members of the Advisory Committee serve without compensation. The Advisory Committee will meet quarterly to discuss topics within the scope of its duties, which include:  

  • Identifying and proposing programs that support participatory democracy and solutions to any problem concerning the level of participatory democracy. 

  • Making recommendations and discussing recommendations with the Secretary of State concerning matters brought to the attention of the Advisory Committee that relate to a program, activity and/or event designed to increase or facilitate participatory democracy. 

  • Establish a “Jean Ford Democracy Award” to honor citizens who perform exemplary service in promoting participatory democracy in this State. 

  • Support projects by national, state, and local entities that encourage and advance participatory democracy, including programs established by the National Conference of State Legislatures, the State Bar of Nevada, and other public and private organizations. 

  • Advise the Secretary of State and the Governor concerning the substance of any proclamation issued by the Governor pursuant to NRS 236.035. 

Members appointed to serve in the Advisory Committee are public servants, therefore, it is important for appointed members to demonstrate commitment to the Advisory Committee with consistent attendance, preparation to engage in the duties of the board, respect for each member’s viewpoints and opinions, and willingness to collaborate with members of the committee, the community and national, state, and local entities that encourage and advance participatory democracy. 

Advisory Committee on Participatory Democracy By Laws

 

If you are interested in serving on the Advisory Committee, please complete and submit a Committee membership application.  The submission of an application to serve on the Advisory Committee DOES NOT guarantee appointment to the Committee. 

 

Jean Ford Democracy Award

The Jean Ford Democracy Award, which is sponsored by the Advisory Committee on Participatory Democracy, is an award designed to honor deserving citizens of this state who have played a key role in promoting participatory democracy in Nevada.  For more information about eligibility, nominations, criteria, and the deadline, please review the Jean Ford Democracy Award Description. 

To nominate a deserving citizen for this prestigious award, submit the ACPD Jean Ford Award Nomination Form to NVElect@sos.nv.gov.

To read more about the Advisory Committee on Participatory Democracy, see NRS 225.200 - 225.270 and Assembly Bill 465 (79th Legislative Session).