It’s Primary Election Week, Nebraska! If you plan to vote early on Monday, May 13; or in person on Election Day, Tuesday, May 14, please know that a new identification mandate to vote is now in effect. Civic Nebraska has been fielding calls for assistance from several Nebraskans who are understandably apprehensive about their access to the ballot. Here are answers to the most common questions we are receiving.
Does the mandate mean I have to register again?
No, the new law does NOT change Nebraska’s existing voter registration process. If you are already registered to vote, you do not need to re-register. Important need-to-knows:
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Your U.S. citizenship and your eligibility to vote are confirmed when you register.
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You must be a U.S. citizen who is 18 years of age or older.
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If you have been previously convicted of a felony, you must be off probation for at least two years before you are allowed to re-register to vote.
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If you are unsure of your registration status, check it here.
What IDs will poll workers accept?
To vote, you must present an ID with your photo and your name. Under the new mandate, you can use an ID issued by:
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the federal government, including a U.S. passport.
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the State of Nebraska, such as a driver’s license or state-issued ID.
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any Nebraska college or university.
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local governments within the State of Nebraska.
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the U.S. military, or IDs for veterans.
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Native tribes.
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patient records with photos from nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospitals.
The new law also allows for the acceptance of expired IDs in the above categories.
What IDs will poll workers NOT accept?
Popular types of IDs that are NOT accepted include:
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out-of-state driver’s licenses and state IDs.
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photo IDs from out-of-state educational institutions.
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IDs from private organizations, such as your workplace.
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any ID without a photo, such as a Social Security card.
