Voting Rights Information Mailed to Nebraska’s County Jails

LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraskans who are incarcerated in county jails across the state will have access to voting rights information ahead of the May 12 statewide primary election thanks to a mass mailing organized by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Nebraska and reentry organization RISE. Educational pamphlets produced by the organizations should reach all of the state’s jails by the end of the week.

The mailed information, which is also available at aclunebraska.org/voter, helps Nebraskans understand whether they are eligible to vote and what steps they need to take to ensure they can cast a ballot.

Nebraskans who have been convicted of a felony can vote after serving all terms of that sentence, including probation or parole. Misdemeanor convictions do not affect voting rights.

Project organizers say the jail-focused effort will help provide clarity for Nebraskans who may not understand the status of their voting rights and the logistics of voting if they will still be incarcerated during the primary.

ACLU of Nebraska Policy Strategist Jason Witmer said:

“As someone who just got his vote back last year, I get it. It can be confusing to understand your rights and the process when you have had contact with the system. But plenty of Nebraskans who are in jail right now have a right to vote, and we hope they use it. Voting is not just a right and a responsibility, it is a powerful way we can send a message about what is important to us as we try to improve our lives and our communities.”

RISE Policy and Advocacy Associate Olivia Larson said:

“Our coalition has worked for years to guarantee everyone has the ability to use their right to vote. If it didn’t have real power, voting rights wouldn’t be under constant attack. I vote because I’m not comfortable with letting other people make decisions for me. If you’re off papers, get on the voting rolls.”

This week’s mailing continues a multiyear civic education project. The ACLU of Nebraska has sent voting rights information to county jails for each statewide election since 2020.