How to Vote in Nebraska’s Elections

The City of Omaha is conducting a primary and general election to elect a mayor and all seven members of the city council. The primary will be held Tuesday, April 1, and the general election Tuesday, May 13.

Below are some key dates for the upcoming primary. The Douglas County Election Commission has more information, including sample ballots.

• Friday, March 14: Deadline for primary voter registration online, at agencies and by mail. If you miss this deadline, you can still register in person at the Douglas County Election Commission office until Friday, March 21, at 6 p.m.

• Monday, March 17 through Monday, March 31: Early in-person voting available
• Tuesday, April 1: Primary Election Day. Polls are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• Monday, March 17: Early voting ballots start being mailed out
• Friday, March 21: Deadline to request a by-mail early voting ballot
• Tuesday, March 25: Douglas County Election Commission’s recommended deadline to post a by-mail early voting ballot
• Tuesday, April 1: Deadline to submit a by-mail early voting ballot (must be received by close of polls)

Chris Machian/Omaha World-Herald via AP

• Under a law that took effect in May 2024, all elections require voters to provide an acceptable photo ID, such as a current or expired Nebraska driver’s license, military ID or tribal ID.

• Under a separate law that took effect in July 2024, convicted felons will automatically have their voting rights restored upon completing their sentences instead of having to wait two years.
  

• Online: Register online using the state’s voter registration portal. Have your driver’s license or state identification card available before you begin the application. 

• By mail: Fill out and print the voter registration application from the secretary of state’s website. Provide your driver's license or state ID number, or last four digits of your Social Security number. Mail the completed application to your county election office listed at the bottom of the form.  

• In person: Visit your county election office or register when renewing or applying for a driver’s license at the DMV. You can also register when filing applications or changes of address at the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Education.

The registration deadline for registrations completed online, at agencies or by mail is the the third Friday preceding an election. The deadline to register in person at your county election office is the second Friday preceding an election. Deadlines are subject to change, though, so check the secretary of state’s official election calendar or with your county election office.

In a primary election in Nebraska, a voter receives the ballot that corresponds with their registered political party. Those voters not affiliated with a political party will receive only a ballot featuring the non-partisan races up for election unless they request a nonpartisan-partisan ballot either at the polls or in their early voting ballot application. Political parties differ in whether they offer nonpartisan-partisan ballots for certain primary elections—read more at the secretary of state’s website.

Changes to party affiliation must be submitted on or before the third Friday before Primary Election Day.

Nebraska does not permit registration on Election Day.

You can check your registration via the Nebraska Voter Information Lookup portal.

Nebraska is a no-excuse state, meaning any voter can request an early voting ballot without a reason. You can request a ballot 120 days in advance of an election. The deadline to request an early voting ballot to be mailed is the close of business the second Friday before the election. You can apply for an early voting ballot:

• By mail, fax or email: Complete an early voting form and mail, fax or email a copy to your county election office. Note that applications must be physically signed. If you cannot access the form, you can write to your county election commissioner with the required details (under How do I apply by mail?) 

• In person: Visit your county election office and fill out the application form. 

The secretary of state’s website has more information on early voting.

You can mail the completed ballot, bring it to your county election office or place it in a secure drop box. Use the Nebraska Drop Box Locator to find one near you (all counties maintain at least one drop box). Your ballot must be received by your county election office by the close of polls on Election Day. Use the Nebraska Voter Information Lookup portal to track your early voting ballot.

Any registered voter can vote at their county election office before an election. Voters have a 30-day early voting period prior to a primary or general election and a 15-day period for all other elections. The day before the election is the last day to vote early in person. Hours may vary by location–check with your county election office.

Polls are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CT and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. MT. To find your polling place, visit the Nebraska Voter Information Lookup portal or contact your county election office.

Some counties opt for all-mail voting, so do not offer polling places. Voters in these counties will automatically receive ballots in the mail before Election Day. Voters in by-mail precincts who wish to vote in person may vote at their county election office on Election Day.

Nebraska voters must show an acceptable photo ID when casting ballots. A variety of photo IDs — including Nebraska driver’s licenses, U.S. passports, military and tribal IDs, and hospital, assisted living and nursing home records — will be accepted, even if they’re expired.

You can get a free state ID for voting purposes from the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles.

If you forget your ID, you can vote using a provisional ballot. You must bring a valid photo ID to your county election office on or before the Tuesday after the election for your vote to count.

Voters with a “reasonable impediment” — such as an illness or disability — can vote without an ID but must fill out an additional form. For more information, visit the secretary of state’s website.

Voters with disabilities can apply to have a ballot sent to them. You may get assistance from election officials or a friend to help you vote. Curbside voting, in which a ballot is brought to your vehicle, is also available.

Polling places have ExpressVote systems to aid voters with disabilities. Voters can use it to listen to choices on the ballot or magnify the font size on ballots. Voters should alert poll workers if they need any assistance with voting.

If you are unable to vote in person, you may have a by-mail early voting ballot sent to your assisted living residence or long-term care facility. You can have a designee, such as a relative or friend, apply for your ballot on your behalf, deliver it to you and help you fill it out.


Editor’s note: This guide was originally published Aug. 14, 2023, and has been updated with new information.

Michelle Tuccitto Sullo is a contributing writer covering state and federal policy. She previously served as managing editor of the Hartford Business Journal in Connecticut and has worked for the New Haven Register, Connecticut Law Tribune and New Haven Biz.

Emily Paulin is a reporter for AARP covering nursing homes, health care, and federal and state policy. Her work has also appeared in Broadsheet, an Australian lifestyle publication.

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