Voting in Nebraska has changed with the new voter ID requirement, and for some high schoolers, voting will be an entirely new opportunity. 2024 is a presidential election year, but the ballot will also include Congressional seats, state government positions, petitions and referendums related to school choice, abortion and medical cannabis.
Any Nebraskan who is a citizen and is 18 or will be 18 by Nov. 5 is eligible to vote, unless they have a felony.
How to Register
To register to vote in November, individuals have the option of completing an online, mail-in or in-person application. Online applications are due Oct. 18 and can be accessed at www.nebraska.gov/apps-sos-voter-registration/. Applicants need a driver’s license or state-issued ID to register. Once the application has been processed, the voter will be notified. Students can receive guidance in registering online at the League of Women Voters’ registration tables in the cafeteria and courtyard during lunch on Oct. 3.
To register through mail, a form at sos.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/elections/vr-fillable.pdf must be completed and mailed to the county election official by Oct. 18. The Douglas County Election Commission is located at 12220 West Center Road.
An individual can also register to vote in person at the Douglas County Election Commission until Oct. 25 at 6 p.m. Other locations such as libraries will register prospective voters until Oct. 18. Additionally, individuals can register to vote when receiving a driver’s license at the DMV.
How to Vote
Election day is Tuesday, Nov. 5. Omaha Public Schools students have the day off this year. Polling locations will be open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. With the new voter ID law, voters must bring a photo ID such as a Nebraska driver’s license, Nebraska state ID, Nebraska college ID, Nebraska state/county/city/public school ID, United States passport, military ID, tribal ID or hospital or assisted care facility ID.
Polling locations are determined by address as each polling location’s ballots cover specific district elections. For instance, all ballots will include presidential and Senate candidates, but House of Representatives, State Legislature and city candidates will differ. A voter must go to their assigned polling location to vote. Polling stations can be determined at www.votercheck.necvr.ne.gov.
How to Register for Mail-in Voting
Mail-in ballots are another option for submitting a vote. First, the individual must request a mail-in ballot by sending in a photocopy or number of an approved ID and completed form: sos.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/elections/2024/earlyvote_app-fill_general.pdf to the Douglas County Election Commission. This can be done by mail or email, but it must be received by Oct. 25 at 6 p.m. Then, the voter will receive a mail-in ballot to be brought back to the Douglas County Election Commission, emailed to [email protected], or dropped in a drop box. Drop box locations are listed on the State of Nebraska website: sos.nebraska.gov/elections/nebraska-drop-box-locator/. The Charles B. Washington, South Omaha, Milton R. Abrahams and Elkhorn branches of the Omaha Public Library are drop box locations.
What’s on the Ballot?
This year’s election has impacts on the neighborhood, city, state and national level. Vote411, an online resource from the nonpartisan League of Women Voters, compiles what will be on the ballot for each precinct and each candidate’s stances on issues.
Initiatives and referendums, laws and changes to the state law that voters have worked to include on the ballot, are another part of the election. Abortion access, medical cannabis legalization, paid sick leave and tax cuts for private school donations are issues that at least 5% of Nebraska voters have “put on the ballot” by signing petitions. On Nov. 5, voters will get to choose which way the law swings on these issues.
Voters will also get to choose whether the long-time Republican Senate seat is held by incumbent Deb Fischer or Independent Dan Osborn. Douglas and Saunders County voters will determine whether Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District goes for Trump or Harris in the presidential election, giving the winner one electoral vote.
