Opinion ID: 2368930
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Constitutional challenges to NRS 4.010(2)(a)

Text: Candelaria challenges the constitutionality of NRS 4.010(2)(a) on two grounds: (1) that it interferes with the electorate's right to vote for the candidate of its choice and her right to run for public office, and (2) that it violates equal protection. [5] Before discussing these constitutional issues, we address a procedural irregularity that is presented in this appeal. Specifically, Candelaria has failed to comply with NRAP 44. Under NRAP 44, when a party challenges the constitutionality of a legislative act in a proceeding before this court and in which the state is not a party, the party asserting the challenge must give written notice to the clerk of this court, so that the clerk can certify the fact to the attorney general. Here, Candelaria did not provide the clerk with written notice of the constitutional challenge. Although counsel for Candelaria, upon questioning, stated during oral argument that such notice was provided to the court, our review of the documents submitted to this court reveals that no such notice was provided. This failure is an independent basis upon which to summarily reject her constitutional arguments. But because these issues concern important constitutional questions, of which our resolution does not render the statute unconstitutional, we elect, in this case, to address the merits of these arguments. Cf. Hamm v. Arrowcreek Homeowners' Ass'n, 124 Nev. 290, 300, 183 P.3d 895, 903 (2008) (noting that this court may address significant, though unpreserved, constitutional issues).