2002 Nevada Question 2

Question 2 of 2000 and 2002 is a ballot measure that amended the Nevada Constitution by adding a definition of marriage that prevented same-sex marriages from being conducted or recognized in Nevada. The amendment was passed by voter referendum by a margin of 67%-33% on November 5, 2002.^[3] It was previously approved by 69.6% to 30.4% of voters in 2000;^[4] the Nevada Constitution requires two ballot votes for citizen-initiated constitutional amendments.^[5]: 54

Ballot Question 2

November 5, 2002
Protection of Marriage Initiative
Results
Choice Votes  % Yes 337,197 67.20% No 164,573 32.80% Valid votes 501,770 97.92% Invalid or blank votes 10,663 2.08% Total votes 512,433 100.00% Registered voters/turnout 869,859 57.68%
Yes   80%–90%   70%–80%   60%–70%
Source:[1]

Ballot Question 2

November 7, 2000
Protection of Marriage Initiative
Results
Choice Votes  % Yes 412,688 69.62% No 180,077 30.38% Valid votes 592,765 96.64% Invalid or blank votes 20,595 3.36% Total votes 613,360 100.00% Registered voters/turnout 874,304 67.8%
Yes   80%–90%   70%–80%   60%–70%
Source:[2]

In 2020 the amendment was repealed by ballot measure Question 2 that recognized marriage as between couples regardless of gender.

Campaign

The measure was heavily influenced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS church). A Nevada Mormon newspaper Beehive first reported the Coalition for the Protection of Marriage's intent to file an initiative petition in December 1999, and by October 2000 the coalition had raised over $800,000 from mostly Mormon-owned businesses and LDS individuals.^[6] Mormon leaders had strongly encouraged members through letters with church letterhead to do campaign work and post yard signs distributed at church buildings.^{[7][5]: 51–71}

Text

The text of the adopted amendment, which is found at Article I, section 21 of the Nevada Constitution, states:

Only a marriage between a male and female person shall be recognized and given effect in this state.^[8]

Polling

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size[a]	Margin of error	Yes	No	Other
SurveyUSA[9]	October 27–29, 2002	530 (LV)	± 4.4%	62%	37%	1%

Result

Sign by the Coalition for the Protection of Marriage

2000

Right to Abortion

Choice	Votes	%
Yes	412,688	69.62
No	180,077	30.38
Total votes	613,360	100.00
Registered voters/turnout	874,304	67.8
Source: [10]

2002

Right to Abortion

Choice	Votes	%
Yes	337,197	67.20
No	164,573	32.80
Total votes	512,433	100.00
Registered voters/turnout	869,859	57.68
Source: [11]

Aftermath

2020 Nevada Question 2 was a ballot measure to replace Article I, section 21 with language that requires the recognition of same-sex marriage in Nevada.^[12] It was passed on November 3, 2020, with 62% of the vote, making Nevada the first state to enshrine the right to same-sex marriage in a state constitution.^[13][14]

See also

• Sevcik v. Sandoval — a case challenging Article I, Section 21

Notes

1. Key:
   A – all adults
   RV – registered voters
   LV – likely voters
   V – unclear