Legislation mandating that Carson City elect supervisors depending on which ward they live in, rather than citywide, received final legislative approval Friday.
Assembly Bill 457 cleared the Assembly 26-15, mostly on party lines, with Democrats backing it.
The measure would require ward voting Henderson, Reno and Sparks, as well as Carson City.
Supporters say citywide voting for council and board members decreases the chances of minority candidates winning office.
Opponents say cities should be allowed to control their own election processes.
In Reno and Sparks, primary winners are chosen by voters in the wards they represent, while the general election is citywide for all posts.
Under SB457, there would be ward voting in the general elections as well.
The bill heads to Gov. Brian Sandoval’s desk.
He vetoed a similar piece of election two years ago, but he said that was for technical reasons.
His office has not weighed in on whether he will sign this year’s version.