Voters can request a ballot and vote in person at clerk office
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Voters used to mailing in their ballots will notice there’s a new look to the official envelopes this year. The new manilla envelopes provided by the Secretary of State are smaller so the ballots must first be folded before inserting in the envelope.
Those wishing to vote early in the May 14 Presidential Primary Election will get their first opportunity to do so as of Monday. Under state law, voters can cast their ballot in the primary, which in Hamilton County also includes a county commission race and three local ballot issues, on Monday by showing up in person at the Hamilton County Courthouse. Going to the County Clerk’s office on the second floor, voters can obtain their official ballot and cast their vote. The day before the election, Monday, May 13, is the last day to vote early in person.
According to the Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office, Nebraska is a “no-excuse” state, meaning any registered voter may request an early-voting (absentee) ballot, and is not required to provide a reason.
Hamilton County Clerk Jill DeMers said for voters in Precincts 1-6 where voting is by mail only, official ballots are set to be mailed out April 24. Those voters, as well as those voting absentee, may either mail back their ballots using the provided envelope, drop them off at the official ballot box outside the courthouse or bring their ballot into her office during business hours. She said some voters, who prefer the experience of going into the voting booth, choose to mark their ballots in one of the several booths that will be set up as of Monday in the hallway outside her office.
To comply with the state’s new voter ID law passed last year by the Nebraska Legislature, the new mail-in ballot envelopes have a special section concealed by a flap on which the voter’s driver’s license or other officially approved voter ID number can be written. There is also a space for the voter’s signature and other information that must be filled out before mailing. Voters choosing to bring their ballot into the office may simply show their state ID to the clerks.
DeMers said voters can apply for an early-voting ballot by contacting the clerk’s office by mail or by fax. An online early voting application can be printed out, completed and then mailed, faxed or scanned or a picture taken of and emailed to her office. Voters are reminded to write their driver’s license/state ID number on the application or attach a copy of an acceptable form of photo ID or reasonable impediment certification. The last day for an early-voting application to be received is 6 p.m. on Friday May 3. Completed ballots must be received by mail or dropped off at the courthouse by the close of polls on the day of the election.
DeMers said her office has already received more than 20 early voting ballot requests and they are being mailed out.
For those voting in person, DeMers said all Hamilton County polling places remain the same as in the 2022 elections. The biggest changes will most likely be noticed by those voting by mail. Instead of the previous large white official ballot envelopes, the new envelopes provided by the Secretary of State’s office are manila in color and are about half the size, so the ballot must be folded before inserting into the envelope.
“With the new voter ID law now in effect, Nebraskans who cast a ballot in the May 14th primary will be making history,” Secretary of State Bob Evnen said. “Voters are following the new voter ID requirement, and county election officials are doing a tremendous job working with voters. They are ensuring every voter can cast their ballot securely and independently while adhering to the new voter ID law.”
Online assistance
Another new help for voters, according to DeMers, is the official Nebraska Voter Check website where voters can find their polling place, check their voter registration and even track their ballot. The website can be accessed via a smart device by scanning a QR code or by navigating to the website at: Ne.gov/go/votercheck.
Other important dates in the current election cycle include:
April 29 – Last day to register to vote online (by midnight), at the DMV, at DHHS, at the Department of Education, via agent, via deputy registrar or by mail (voter registration application must be postmarked by April 29, 2024.)
May 3 – Last day to register to vote in person at the county election office (6 p.m. local time).
May 13 – Last day to vote in person at the county election office.
May 14 – Election Day and last day county election offices will accept early voting ballots via mail or secure drop box.
