Nebraska Voting Guide

What are Nebraska's voter registration deadlines?

You must register to vote prior to the third Friday before the election. This is true for mail-in registration, DMV registration, and registration by personal messenger or agent. If you opt for in-person registration, you must do so by 6 p.m. on the second Friday preceding the election.

You can find the exact dates for the next election on the official election calendar.

Who can participate in early voting?

Any registered voter can apply for an early voting ballot. You don’t have to provide a reason. You can apply by contacting your county election office in person, by mail, or by fax. You can print an early voting application and mail or fax it to your county election office. You must do this no later than 6 p.m. on the second Friday before the election.

You can submit your early voting application up to 120 days before the election. The election officials will send your early ballot approximately 35 days before a primary or general election and at least 15 days before other elections, including special elections.

Early-voting ballots must arrive at your county elections office before the polls close on Election Day at 8 p.m. You can return your ballot by mail or deliver it in person the day before Election Day.

Early voting was previously referred to as an absentee ballot.

What should I bring to the polls?

If this is your first time voting, you may not know what information to bring with you to the polls. First-time voters must provide a photo ID. A Nebraska driver’s license or other state ID will suffice.

Poll workers can accept other forms of identification, including:

• Valid photo ID
• Utility bill
• Bank statement
• Government check
• Paycheck
• Government document

Any document you bring must be less than 60 days old.

How do I vote by provisional ballot?

You may have to cast a provisional ballot if you have moved or changed your name since the last election. You must also fill out a new voter registration form. Election officials must validate your information before they count your vote.

If you are a registered voter who moved to another county in Nebraska, you must re-register by the registration deadline. If you don’t, you won’t be able to vote.

Are special accommodations available in Nebraska?

Nebraska ensures all polling places are handicapped-accessible. If you find it difficult to access or vote at your polling place, you can vote at a more convenient place or time, such as early at the county election office. You can also ask the local board of elections to deliver your ballot to your home, hospital room, or care facility address.

You can also vote curbside.

If you need assistance reading or marking your ballot, you can ask an election official for help, bring someone with you, or have an interpreter help you.

Nebraska provides AutoMARK voting stations for voters with disabilities. This technology has an audio function and a zoom feature for the visually impaired. It also offers multiple language options for those who do not speak English and a sip/puff tube to help those who cannot use a touch screen.

Learn more about accessible voting in Nebraska.

What should I do if I see something suspicious at the polls?

All registered voters can cast their ballot without threat or intimidation. Nobody can tell you how to vote or force you to vote for a candidate you don’t support. If you feel somebody has engaged in this behavior, you should immediately notify the poll workers. This is true if you see a person harassing another voter as well.

It’s illegal to bring a concealed weapon into a polling place in Nebraska. If you believe somebody at the polling location has a firearm, report them immediately.

Contact the Nebraska Secretary of State's Office if you believe someone has violated your voting rights or witnessed illegal activity at the polls. You can call (888) 727-0007 or (402) 471-2555 and speak with someone at the Secretary of State's office. You can also submit an election complaint form to the U.S. Department of Justice.

If necessary, contact a local Nebraska attorney with experience in civil rights law.

A Civil Rights Lawyer in Nebraska Can Help

If you need election or registration information, you have options. You can go to the Nebraska State Legislature’s website and review the information available. You can also contact a voting rights attorney.

An attorney can help determine if someone has violated your voting rights. They can also help if you’re having trouble registering to vote or qualifying for early voting.