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Nebraska

Nebraska has the opportunity to further strengthen its election system by codifying temporary reforms enacted in 2020 and implementing other voter-centric reforms. In particular, we recommend that the state conduct risk limiting audits, same day voter registration, and automatic voter registration. In addition, by passing legislation to expand ballot return options, create an online absentee ballot request portal, and implement a cure process, Nebraska can continue to build upon the excellent work done in 2020. As always, while policy is important, effective implementation is just as important.

As of 2021....

Ballot Tracking

Ballot Tracking

Online method to check ballot status

Signature Verification

Signature Verification

Voter signature verified before ballot is counted

Cure Process

Cure Process

Ability to correct issues so ballot can be counted

Preprocessing

Prepaid Postage

Election official may process ballot before Election Day

Ballot Tracking

Ballot Tracking

Online method to check ballot status

Signature Verification

Signature Verification

Voter signature verified before ballot is counted

Cure Process

Cure Process

Ability to correct issues so ballot can be counted

Preprocessing

Preprocessing

Election official may process ballot before Election Day

Opportunities

Nebraska can reduce costs and increase voter convenience by creating a permanent absentee voting list, where voters can sign up to automatically be sent an absentee ballot for each election without having to re-apply. States experience significant savings with these lists; on average, states save $1 for every request they no longer need to process.
Creating an online portal for voters to request an absentee ballot that feeds directly into the voter registration system is an important step to help verify addresses, collect contact information, and to remove administrative steps to process a large amount of requests. We encourage an integrated process that allows new voters to register and current voters to make changes to their address and make requests for ballots.
Guaranteeing prepaid postage is a voter-centric reform that dismantles an economic barrier to voting.
Nebraska should expand its drop box program statewide. Drop boxes reduce strain on the postal system and are sometimes a preferred method by voters who want reassurance that their ballot will make it to the elections office on time. We highly recommend including provisions to allow for ballots to be received at polling or vote centers, drop boxes and other locations deemed necessary by the clerk.
By implementing signature verification procedures, Nebraska can ensure the security of the election process while also streamlining ballot processing.
In the event that a voter’s ballot is rejected, said voter should have the ability to cure their ballot quickly and simply. We recommend implementing a Text2Cure system that allows voters to cure their ballots from their phones.
Accepting ballots with Election Day postmarks is a best practice to ensure that voters are given all options to vote their ballot in a timely manner. Accepting Election Day postmarks is estimated in most jurisdictions to decrease ballot rejection rates by half. We recommend that, not only does a state allow the physical postmark on a ballot, but also to integrate into the USPS system for electronic postmarks to serve as validation that a ballot was mailed on time.
Ballot tracking software such as Ballot Scout or BallotTrax can be a very cost-effective tool to improve the state’s current ballot tracking system. It adds a layer of data for the elections office and provides a means of contacting voters if there is a signature mismatch or deficiency on their return envelope. An expanded notification system helps keep rejection rates low and increases voter confidence and participation.

Recent Legislation

As of June 16, 2021

In 2020, Nebraska passed a bill reaffirming its no-excuse absentee policy and implementing additional safety precautions for the May primary. Moreover, Nebraska passed another bill that included vote by mail and early voting reforms and authorized counties with populations less than 10,000 people to hold elections entirely by mail (given Sec. of State approval). It also required counties to maintain existing early voting procedures, keep at least one polling place open, and allow for ballot drop-off at the county clerk’s office and at drop boxes. Lastly, the Secretary of State ordered all voters be sent applications for absentee ballots for 2020. Nebraska did not pass legislation in 2021 to codify these temporary reforms, nor did it pass any other mail-voting related legislation.