Why AP called the Nevada GOP primary for ‘None of these candidates’

By ROBERT YOON
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The top vote-getter in Tuesday’s Republican presidential primary in Nevada wasn’t former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, the only major candidate on the ballot still in the race. Instead, Nevada voters mounted a ballot-box protest and gave the most votes to “None of these candidates,” a ballot option required by state law. The Associated Press declared “None of these candidates” the winner at 12:01 a.m. based on initial vote results that showed it with a significant lead over Haley. At the time the race was called, “None of these candidates” led with about 60% of the vote. Haley trailed with 33%.