Friday, April 17, 2020 Upcoming: Deadlines to register for voting in Nebraska primary election
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Pete Ricketts is encouraging Nebraska voters to register for mail-in ballots for the primary election. Although the election is not until May 12, 2020, voters must meet the following deadlines to ensure they are registered to vote and/or receive a mail-in ballot.
- April 24, 2020 | Last day to mail in Nebraska voter registration application.
- April 27, 2020 | Last day to register online to vote in Nebraska primary election.
- May 1, 2020 | Deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot (request must be received by county election official by May 1).
- May 12, 2020 | Primary election day.
To register as a voter, go to Civic Nebraska or the Nebraska Secretary of State.
Every already-registered Nebraska voter should receive a ballot request form for the primary. If you have not received this form, go to Civic Nebraska to request the early voting form. Any voter can request a mail-in ballot for any reason.
Identification is not required to vote in Nebraska unless you’re a first-time voter who registered by mail and didn’t send in a copy of your ID at that time.
Voting-by-mail is a safe method for casting a ballot. A ballot and return envelope are dispatched to the voter with instructions, including an oath for the voter to complete and sign. The voter is responsible for delivering the completed ballot in the return envelope by mail, dropbox, or in person.
In-person voting: At this time, the Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office is still planning to allow in-person voting on May 12, 2020. Polling places are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the eastern portion of the state (Central Standard Time) and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the western portion of the state (Mountain Standard Time). If voters are still in line when the polls close but have not yet cast their ballot, they should stay in line. Each voter is asked to follow social distancing and sanitization guidelines. Every in-person voter will receive a new black pen to mark their ballot; they can keep the pen after voting. Voters with disabilities can request a voting appointment to accommodate in-person voting.
Curbside voting: Every polling location should have curbside voting available and designated with a yard sign. This normally applies to people with disabilities who may not be able enter the polling station, but for this election, everyone can use this method to ensure their personal safety.
On the ballot in the 2020 primary election include candidates for U.S. President; U.S. Senators; U.S. Congressional Representatives; and Public Services Commissioner. For a complete list of the ballot and voting information, visit the Nebraska Secretary of State.