Nebraskans have started encountering the state’s new voter identification requirements now that the window for requesting early ballots is open.
Initial reports from counties show that things have been going smoothly so far, said Jackie Ourada, a spokeswoman for the Secretary of State’s Office. She said local officials reported that voters have been following the new requirements when returning their early ballot requests.
Voters could start asking for early ballots last week, although the ballots themselves will not be ready to go in the mail until April 8. Voters can cast early ballots in person at county election offices starting April 15.
A constitutional amendment passed by voters in 2022, followed by a state law in 2023, set out the requirements. They are going into effect for Nebraska’s May 14 primary election.
“Every Nebraska voter should be thinking about how voter ID will impact their voting plan, whether that will be presenting an ID in the early voting process or showing up to the polls with an acceptable form of ID,†said Secretary of State Bob Evnen.
When do I have to present ID?
Information about a voter’s ID must accompany a request to have an early ballot mailed out. Voters must show their ID if they vote early in their county election office or if they cast their ballot at their local precinct on Election Day.
What IDs are accepted?
Voters have some options for IDs that are allowed under state law. The most common forms likely will be a Nebraska-issued driver’s license or state identification card.
Other options are: United States passports; military IDs; tribal IDs; IDs issued by local governments in Nebraska, such as schools, counties or cities; and IDs issued by public or private colleges and universities in Nebraska. A hospital, assisted-living facility or nursing home record, also known as a “face sheet,†can be used as well.
The ID can be expired, but must show the voter’s name and photo.
What if I don’t have an acceptable ID?
People who lack any of the accepted forms of ID and can’t afford to get one can get a free state ID card for voting purposes. The ID cards are available through the Department of Motor Vehicles. Check or with your county DMV office to learn more about the requirements for getting a state ID.
One requirement is to provide a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship. People born in Nebraska can get a free certified copy of their birth certificate through the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services for use in getting their free state ID.
Another alternative is a reasonable impediment certification. Such certifications are available for people who have a religious objection to being photographed or who cannot get an accepted ID because of disability or illness or because they lack a birth certificate or other required documents. Contact your county election office or the Secretary of State’s Office for more information.
How do I present my ID when voting by mail?
Voters must provide their ID when requesting an early ballot to be mailed to them. This can be accomplished by writing the driver’s license or state ID card number on the application, attaching a photocopy of another acceptable ID to the application or attaching a reasonable impediment certification form.
The photocopy only needs to show the side with the voter’s name and photo. The photocopy must accompany the request, whether they are sent in by mail, email, fax or in person.
What if my county has all-mail balloting?
Voters in counties or precincts with all-mail balloting have ballots sent to them automatically. They must submit their ID information when returning their ballot.
What if I forget my ID when voting in person?
People who vote in person, either early or on Election Day, but don’t have an acceptable ID with them can cast a provisional ballot. For the ballot to be counted, the voter must go to the county election office by the Tuesday following the election to present an ID.