Employees at Las Vegas hotels and casinos may have to leave the Nevada Democratic caucuses early, as long lines eat into their time off from work.
The long waits could result in many workers not being able to participate in what is shaping up to be an extremely close race between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders for their party’s presidential nomination.
{mosads}The caucuses began at noon local time on Saturday. MSNBC reported that many hotel workers have to return to work 90 minutes later.
Employees at the MGM Casino in Las Vegas will receive three hours of paid time off, according to the network.
Rep. Luis Gutiérrez (D-Ill.), a Clinton supporter, said some employees’ work schedules prevented them from coming to their precinct location at the Wynn Las Vegas, according to The Washington Post.
While 376 voters participated at that precinct in 2008, only 60 voters showed up Saturday, according to The Post. Early results show that 35 went for Clinton, 23 for Sanders and two were uncommitted.
“There was a bunch of people who wanted to vote, and they said they’d lose an hour’s wages if they did,” Gutiérrez said, leaving the precinct. “There’s a poll tax in Nevada.”
Both Clinton and Sanders took to Twitter to encourage caucusgoers to remain in line as early entrance polls suggested a tight race.
Clinton tweeted: “Stay in line, Nevada! You can still caucus if you’re in line.”
Sanders tweeted a similar request: “If you’re in line to caucus, DO NOT LEAVE! You don’t need ID to caucus or to register to vote. Any issues? Call 702-778-4336.”
He also sent a similar message in Spanish.