Nebraska Voting Guide

When is Nebraska's voter registration deadline?

Mail-in registration, DMV registration, registration delivered by personal messenger or agent, must be done on or before the third Friday before the election. In-person registration at the county clerk or election commissioner's office can be completed by the second Friday preceding the election, by 6 p.m. You can find the exact dates for the next election on the official election calendar.

What is early (absentee) voting and can I participate?

Any registered voter can apply for an early voting ballot. No reason is required. You can apply by contacting your county election office in person, by mail, or by fax. You can print out an early-voting application here, and then mail or fax it to your county election office no later than 6 p.m. on the second Friday before the election.

Early voting applications can be submitted up to 120 days before the election in which you wish to vote, but the early ballot will not be sent out until approximately 35 days before a primary or general election, or 15 days before other elections.

Early-voting ballots must arrive at your county elections office by the closing of the polls on Election Day (8 p.m.). The ballot may be returned by mail. It can be delivered in-person delivery or by another messenger the day before Election Day. You can check on the status of your ballot here.

What do I need to bring to the polls in Nebraska?

You do not need to provide identification unless you are a first-time voter who registered by mail and didn't provide ID or address verification at the time. If you do need identification and proof of residency, bring a valid photo ID, or a copy of a utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or other government document dated not more than 60 days prior to the date of the application.

Why might I be asked to vote by provisional ballot?

If you are a registered voter who moved to another residence within the same county where you were registered, or if you changed your name, you will be allowed to vote but may be asked to vote with a provisional ballot. You will need to fill out a new voter registration form. In order for your vote to be counted, the information you provide must be verified.

If you are a registered voter who moved to another county in Nebraska, you must re-register by the registration deadline. Failure to do so means you will not be able to vote in the current election.

What special accommodations are available?

Nebraska ensures all polling places are handicapped-accessible. If you find it difficult to access or vote at your assigned polling place, you can choose to vote at a more convenient place or time. You can vote early at the county election office, or have your ballot delivered 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 for help from an election official or bring someone with you to help. You can have an interpreter help you.

Nebraska makes an AutoMARK ballot marking voting station available to help voters with disabilities privately and independently vote. This technology has an audio function and a zoom feature for the visually impaired, multiple language options for those who do not speak English as their first language, and a sip/puff tube to help those who cannot use a touch screen.

Learn more about accessible voting in Nebraska.

What do I do if I see something illegal at the polls?

Your rights to vote are protected by state and federal law. You have a right to vote without threat or intimidation. No one can tell you how to vote or vote your ballot in a way other than the way that you want it marked.

Note: A person may not carry a concealed weapon into a polling place in Nebraska.

If you believe your rights were violated as a voter, you think you witnessed illegal activity at the polls, or if you experienced problems voting, you can bring your complaint to the Nebraska Secretary of State's Office by calling (888) 727-0007 or (402) 471-2555, or by filling out an election complaint form with the U.S. Department of Justice.

You can also choose to contact a local Nebraska attorney experienced in civil rights law.