Editorial

Be an informed, prepared voter going to the poll

Monday, May 14, 2012

We make no endorsements or recommendations for Tuesday's primary election, other than to become as informed as possible and use your best judgment when voting.

We can see reasons to vote for or against the jail bond issue, but remind voters that the decision to build the jail has already been made. Tuesday's vote will determine only whether it must be paid for while keeping the county budget under the $.50 state property tax lid, or outside the lid.

We do want to pass along some advice offered by Nebraska Secretary of State John Gale to make voting easier:

* Check your voter registration and polling place. People can check the status of their voter registration and location of their polling place by contacting their county election office or accessing https://www.votercheck.necvr.ne.gov/.

* Change of address. If a registered voter has moved within a county (out of their former precinct) and not updated their registration, the person should go to the polling place associated with their current residence. The person will be required to vote a provisional ballot.

* Be prepared. Before going to the polls, the voter should become informed about the candidates and issues on the ballot. Sample ballots are printed in newspapers and posted on county websites. Mark and take the sample ballot with you to the polling place.

* Conduct at the polls. To maintain proper decorum at the polls, it is requested that people turn off their cell phones.

* Campaigning prohibited. Campaign items such as buttons, stickers and T-shirts are not allowed in a polling place. It is illegal to campaign within 200 feet of a polling site.

* Voter identification. Proper identification will be required at the polling place of people who are newly registered by mail and did not provide identification. These people will be required to provide identification showing their current residence. Identification at the polling place is not required of other voters.

* Nonpartisan voters. If you are registered without a political party affiliation, you will receive the nonpartisan ballot. In addition, nonpartisan voters may request a Republican Party or Democratic Party ballot for U.S. Senate and House races, or they may request a full Libertarian Party ballot.

Polls are open on Election Day from 8 a.m. CDT (7 a.m. MDT) to 8 p.m. CDT (7 p.m. MDT).

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