Tired of negative campaign ads? There is a solution
One clever local City Council candidate apologized in advance for "robocalls" he was sending out later this week, apparently realizing just how tedious the election process is becoming.
Two new slates of national candidates, including a black man and a white woman, are drawing attention to the presidential race, and the Nebraska Senate race is heating up as the candidates take part in debates.
It's almost a sure bet that the campaigns will become more and more negative, with rumors of an "October surprise" in the works, designed to shift the electorate one way or another enough to tip the election.
If the economy isn't enough to make you depressed, then all of the negative October campaigning should do the trick.
But there is a way to insulate yourself from it all. Starting Sept. 29, you can vote early. Think of it. Negative television ads. Robocalls. Campaign fliers and even personal contact by candidates and supporters.
"Sorry, I've already voted."
Since 1999, Nebraska voters haven't been required to disclose a reason for requesting an early voting ballot, and more and more people are taking advantage of the law.
You can do so by contacting your county clerk or election commissioner in person at the election office, by personal agent, by mail or by fax.
You'll need to fill out an early voting application request form -- available online -- and mail or fax it to your county clerk or election commissioner. You'll need to provide your name and residence address, political party affiliation, voting precinct, phone number, mailing address to which you want the ballots to be sent, and your signature.
You can apply for early voting up to 120 days before a statewide primary or general election, but regular early voting ballots won't be sent out or voted until 35 days before the election -- in this case, Sept. 29.
The early ballots, whether personally delivered, delivered by agent or mail or other carriers, must arrive at the election office by the closing of the polls on election day (8 p.m. Central and 7 p.m. Mountain time).
So, if you've made up your mind, and would like to spend the next seven weeks worrying about something else, request an early voting ballot.
Just make sure you're certain of your choices; there's no taking them back.
While you're at it, make sure you will be able to cast a vote in this fall's election. Check with your local election official to make sure you're registered. If you've moved, changed your name or want to change party affiliations, a form is available online.