You can request a mail-in ballot for any reason in our state – Nebraska is among the “no-excuse” states when it comes to absentee voting. Be sure to register to vote and request your vote-by-mail ballot. Here are a few best practices for when you receive your mail-in ballot request form.
Read the instructions carefully – even if you've done this before.
All Nebraska mail-in ballot request forms come with a short set of instructions. Before you do anything, read them start to finish – even if you think you have a good grasp on the process, there may have been slight changes since the last time you requested a mail-in ballot.
Check, and then double-check, your information.
Your form will ask you to look over your name and address, and other information in some cases. Be sure everything is current and up to date. If it’s not, find the spot on the card designated for updates or check with your county’s election office to make any changes or fixes.
Use a ballpoint pen.
Just to be safe, set aside your felt-tips or gel pens – if the ink from those get wet, it can smudge easily and render your form unreadable. Fill out your request form with a ballpoint pen in either blue or black ink.
SIGN THE FORM.
This is the most important part of the process, and it has to be completed before officials will send you back a mail-in ballot. Double-check that you have signed the appropriate area of the request form before you send it back to the election office.
Return the request form promptly.
Earlier is better, so don’t wait – especially if you’re using the U.S. Mail. Affix a regular postage stamp to the form and mail to send your request back to the election office as soon as possible.
You can also return your request form in-person, via an official ballot dropbox in your county, which you can find here.
Watch your mail.
Your ballot will be sent via U.S. Postal Service in early October. That’s the first day counties around the state can have the actual mail-in ballots ready to send. If you have questions about the status of your ballot, check with your county’s election office.
Get help if you need it.
Do you have questions about the vote-by-mail process? Civic Nebraska can help you. Go to CivicNebraska.vote or call our Election Line at 402-890-5291, Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.
