Early voting underway

LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraskans keen to exercise their democratic right have an early start to casting their votes, as early in-person voting for the primary election kicks off today, April 15th, at county election offices across the state.

Secretary of State Bob Evnen expressed readiness on behalf of Nebraska's 93 county election offices, stating, "Our 93 county election offices are open and ready to help Nebraskans vote in the May Primary Election." Evnen highlighted a significant change in the voting process this year, noting, "This will be the first time in Nebraska’s history that voters will be presenting a photo ID before casting a ballot." He assured voters that election workers have diligently prepared for months to ensure a smooth process under the new voter ID law.

From now until May 13, 2024, Nebraskans have the opportunity to cast their votes early in person at their respective county election offices. However, it's important to note that in-person voting at county election offices will not be available on Election Day, May 14th.

Secretary Evnen emphasized the importance of having a voting plan and reminded voters of the acceptable forms of photo ID under the new voter ID law. These include Nebraska driver’s licenses, state IDs, U.S. passports, military IDs, tribal IDs, and various official records and identifications from healthcare facilities, political subdivisions, and educational institutions. Notably, the law permits the use of expired IDs and does not necessitate re-registration if voter information is current.

Nebraskans who require a state ID can obtain one free of charge from the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). For those born in Nebraska who need a certified copy of their birth certificate for this purpose, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) offers assistance. It's important to note that a birth certificate itself does not serve as a valid form of voter ID.

To aid in voter education, materials are available in both English and Spanish at voterID.nebraska.gov.

As the election draws nearer, it's crucial for voters to be aware of key dates and potential misinformation. The last day to register to vote online or via various other means is April 29th, while in-person registration at county election offices concludes on May 3rd. Early in-person voting at county election offices ends on May 13th, coinciding with the last day for election offices to accept early voting ballots via mail, agents, or secure drop boxes on May 14th, which is also Election Day.

The Secretary of State’s office cautions against the spread of election-related misinformation and urges voters to rely on trusted sources for accurate information, such as the Secretary of State’s office or local county election offices. With the anticipation of increased misinformation surrounding elections in 2024, voters are encouraged to verify claims before accepting them, particularly those circulated in articles or on social media platforms.