Voter Registration in Nebraska
Voter registration in Nebraska is mandatory for anyone who wishes to cast a ballot in any elections held in the state. The process to register to vote is carefully supervised in order to protect Nebraska’s elections and ensure that only people eligible to cast votes are participating. Nebraska affords its residents multiple options to register but also provides strict guidelines about who may do so. Those who wish to register to vote may do so online, by regular United States Postal Service, or in person.
Nebraskans must also meet the criteria to qualify for voter registration including citizenship and residency requirements, age restrictions and other matters that may disqualify some state residents. Those wishing to vote may also find that they can register at the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) as well as other state agencies. To find out more about voter registration in Nebraska continue reading the article below.
Who can register to vote in Nebraska?
In order to register to vote in Nebraska, individuals must meet certain criteria to qualify. You may only vote in Nebraska if you meet the following conditions:
- Residency – Those who wish to register to vote in Nebraska must show that they are legal residents of the state.
- Age – Additionally, Nebraskans who look to participate in elections in the state must show that they are age 18 or above.
- Competency – Those ruled mentally incompetent by a court of law may not participate in any elections held in Nebraska.
- Citizenship – Being a lawful United States citizen is a requirement for anyone wishing to cast a ballot in Nebraska.
- Criminal record – Anyone convicted of a felony and still less than two years removed from a release of supervised custody is ineligible to take part in an election.
- Although voting rights are restored after this two-year period, you will need to re-register to vote.
Nebraska Voter Registration Deadline
Meeting voter registration deadlines in Nebraska is vital in order to be able to cast a ballot in an election. The following deadlines in Nebraska must be adhered to in order to vote:
- Mailed applications are due or must be postmarked before the third Friday before an election day.
- Voter registration applications that are sent by a third party or outside agency, such as the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), have to be received by the third Friday before an election day.
- Applications delivered in person to a county clerk or election commission office must arrive by 6:00 p.m. on the second Friday before an election day.
How to Register to Vote in Nebraska
You can register to vote in Nebraska either online, by mail, or in person. Information such as your polling station location and confirmation of your registration arrives after you are registered to vote. You can register online by using the Nebraska Secretary of State’s online application form. You will need to provide information such as your driver’s license number or state ID card number as well as your current address.
For voter registration by mail, you must first complete an application form. These are available online as well as at public libraries, banks, and post office locations. For those registering to vote in Nebraska for the first time, you will need some documentation. You should be prepared with the following:
- Your current identification with a photo on it. A copy is adequate.
- A copy of documentation like a bank statement or utility bill that:
- Is dated no more than 60 days prior to your application.
- Shows your name and address on it and is the same as it appears on your application.
To complete your registration process in person, you may fill out the application forms at the office of your county clerk or election commissioner. You may also complete your registration to vote at your local DMV office when you visit to renew a drivers license or ID card or to apply for a new one.
Early Voting in Nebraska
Early voting in Nebraska now falls under the guidelines for absentee voting.
Nebraska Voter Registration for Active Duty Military and Out-Of-State Residents
Nebraskans wondering how to register to vote while serving in the United States Armed Forces, or who live overseas, have several different options available to them. The first among them is the Voter Registration and Absentee Ballot Request Federal Post Card Application which can deliver your ballot by email or regular mail as well as by fax. This also doubles as a request for a ballot in addition to your voter registration.
The National Voter Registration Form is your second option. Simply fill it out and mail it to the state-specific address which is printed on the form. The Nebraska Voter Registration Application is also available. You must fill it out and return it to your local county clerk’s office or to the office of your election commissioner.
Nebraska Voter Registration for Absentee Voting
For Nebraskans who are temporarily outside of the state prior to an election but are intent on keeping their Nebraska residency, they may register to vote by mail. Those who are going to be absent for the election may use the Nebraska Secretary of State website to follow the instructions for early voting, which used to be called absentee voting.
How to Change Your Voter Registration in Nebraska
Changing vital information requires that you fill out a new voter registration application form in Nebraska. If you change any of the following you must update your information with a new form:
- Name
- Address
- Party affiliation
If you move within the same county or you change your name, you may update your registration at your polling place on election day. However, to do this you will be required to fill out a new form and get a certification in addition to having to use a provisional ballot.
Provisional ballots may only be counted if your certification information can be verified. Moving to a new county requires that you fill out a new voter registration form by the deadline for registration.