LINCOLN, Neb. – This afternoon, the Nebraska Secretary of State announced new in-person, early voting limitations to limit the risk of COVID-19.
In response, the ACLU of Nebraska says it’s time to mail ballots with prepaid return envelopes to all registered voters in Nebraska, including those who have not yet returned a vote-by-mail application.
ACLU of Nebraska Executive Director Danielle Conrad says the move would alleviate pressure on polling places and help prevent any further last-minute changes.
“We applauded the decision to get all registered voters a vote-by-mail application, but so much changes with this public health crisis every day, and while it was a great step forward, that action didn’t go far enough,” Conrad said. “This new decision to limit in-person early voting to appointment-only for people who need accommodations reflects the unprecedented nature of this public health crisis. We can’t know what the situation looks like next month. That’s why it’s so important every registered voter receives a mail ballot for the May primary.”
The ACLU of Nebraska has already fielded concerns from voters on topics including polling places in sensitive locations like senior centers, a lack of qualified poll workers and potential for last-minute changes before election day.
Conrad says it’s time for state leaders to listen to those concerns and ensure no Nebraskan has to risk their health to vote or facilitate elections as a poll worker.
“If we all work together now to get all registered voters a ballot, we can remove any uncertainties and strike the right balance between public health needs and a robust democracy."
