Decoding the 2025 Ballot
Voting is powerful, but ballots can be confusing.
Civic Nebraska provides nonpartisan information about candidates and issues in Omaha and Lincoln’s city elections.
Coming in March:
›› An interactive BallotBuilder to explore candidates’ positions on key issues and, in Lincoln, understand ballot initiatives.
›› And, we’re partnering with Flatwater Free Press to bring new context and information via a series of candidate questions.
When you vote, vote with knowledge! Visit our 2025 Election Central hub for more election resources.
Lincoln races
Primary election April 8 | General Election May 6
Lincoln City Council
4-year term
3 vacancies on 7-member council
$24,000/year
Nonpartisan
Lincoln operates under a strong-mayor and city council system, where the city council serves as the main legislative body and the mayor acts as the chief executive. The council has the authority to investigate matters related to its legislative responsibilities, as well as the operations of city departments, boards, and commissions that handle administrative affairs. Its duties and powers include:
›› Overseeing land use and zoning changes
›› Approving redevelopment agreements and authorizing the issuance of financing bonds
›› Developing and passing the city budget
›› Creating and revising the city code with the power to put certain things to a vote of the people
›› Setting fees, rates, and levy taxes
›› Authorizing the mayor to execute contracts
›› Voting on claims made against the city
›› Providing a forum for citizens to speak on issues on the agenda or of importance to them
›› Making recommendations to the State Liquor Commission regarding the approval of liquor licenses for bars and restaurants
›› Approving appointments to local commissions and boards
Lincoln’s city council includes four district seats, each representing a quarter of the city, and three at-large seats that represent the entire community. This setup means every resident has four representatives on the seven-member council — one from their district and three at-large members. The three at-large seats will be contested in 2025.
In the April 8 primary election, the six candidates with the most votes will advance to the general election. In the May 6 general election, the top three vote-getters from that group will be elected to the city council.
LPS Board of Education
4-year term
Unpaid
Nonpartisan
The Lincoln Public Schools Board of Education oversees the district and helps shape its direction. Its duties and powers include:
›› Establishing policies that guide the district’s operations and educational programs
›› Defining objectives to ensure students are prepared for college, careers, and civic engagement
›› Holding district staff responsible for implementing policies and achieving established goals.
›› Sharing decision-making processes with parents, students, staff, and other stakeholders to foster transparency and collaboration
›› Regularly updating policies to reflect the evolving needs of the district
›› Overseeing the hiring of superintendents and approving the district’s budget
In 2025, four seats are open on the seven-seat board. The seats are in Districts 1, 3, 5, and 7.
LPS Board of Education district map
In the April 8 primary election, the top two candidates from each district will move on to the May 6 general election. The general election then determines who will serve on the board.
Lincoln Airport Authority
6-year term
Unpaid
Nonpartisan
The Lincoln Airport Authority is the governing body responsible for overseeing the operations and development of the Lincoln Airport. Established under state statutes, it holds exclusive jurisdiction and control over the airport and its associated facilities.
The Authority’s primary roles and responsibilities include:
›› Managing daily activities to ensure efficient and safe airport operations
›› Ensuring adherence to Federal Aviation Administration regulations and implementing the Airport Certification Manual.
›› Overseeing the upkeep and improvement of airport infrastructure, including runways, terminals, and support facilities.
›› Monitoring security systems, responding to alarms, and coordinating with relevant agencies to maintain a secure environment.
›› Implementing plans to mitigate wildlife hazards that could impact airport safety.
›› Communicating with stakeholders, including airlines, passengers, and the local community, to foster positive relationships and address concerns.
›› Strengthening airline relationships, aiming to enhance services and expand flight options for travelers
In 2025, one seat is open on the Authority’s five-member board of directors.
›› The primary is scheduled for April 8, 2025. Suppose more than two candidates file for a single Airport Authority seat. In that case, a primary election narrows the field — the top two vote-getters from the primary advance to the general election.
›› The general election is set for May 6, 2025. The candidate who receives the most votes in the general election wins the seat.
Ballot initiatives
In the April 8, 2025, primary election, Lincolnites will vote on extending the existing quarter-cent sales tax dedicated to street improvements under the Lincoln on the Move program. Initially approved by voters in 2019, this tax is set to expire on Sept. 30, 2025.
The proposed extension would continue the tax from Oct. 1, 2025, through Sept. 30, 2033, generating an estimated $18 million annually, or about $144 million over eight years, for street maintenance and new construction.
Why is this on the ballot?
Without this funding, the city anticipates significant delays and reductions in street projects. Currently, the program enables the completion of about 65 projects in six years; without it, the same number of projects could take up to 22 years. This would lead to longer wait times and increased repair costs due to rising interest rates and material expenses.
What’s in the initiative?
The quarter-cent sales tax is funded by residents, businesses, and visitors, with visitors contributing approximately 30% of the revenue. This collective contribution supports the enhancement of Lincoln’s transportation infrastructure, benefiting the community.
For more detailed information, including the proposed ballot language and related resolutions, visit the city’s official Lincoln on the Move page.
The Lincoln for Fair Housing ballot initiative will be on the May 6, 2025, general election ballot. If passed, it would make it illegal for landlords to reject tenants based on their source of income — meaning they couldn’t refuse renters who pay with housing vouchers, Social Security, disability benefits, veteran assistance, or other legal income sources.
Why is this on the ballot?
As it stands, landlords in Lincoln can legally refuse tenants simply because they use housing assistance. As a result, about 30% of Section 8 housing vouchers in the city expire yearly because renters can’t find a place to take them. Supporters of the initiative say this change would reduce housing instability and ensure assistance programs help the people they’re meant to serve.
What’s in the ordinance?
The proposed law lays out protections against income-based discrimination and explains how it would be enforced. You can read the full text of the ordinance at FairHousingLNK.org.
If voters approve the measure, Lincoln would join over 100 cities and 22 states with similar protections, helping more people find safe and stable housing.
Omaha races
Primary election April 1 | General Election May 13
Omaha City Council
4-year term
$44,211 / year
Nonpartisan
The City Council has seven members, each representing one of Omaha’s seven districts.
Omaha City Council district map
In the April 1 primary election, all candidates appear on the same ballot, regardless of party affiliation. The top two vote-getters in each of the seven districts then advance to the May 13 general election.
In the May 13 general election, the top vote-getter in each of the seven districts is elected to the city council.
Omaha Mayor
4-year term
$121,015
Nonpartisan
The mayor serves as Omaha’s chief executive officer, overseeing day-to-day operations, implementing policies, and managing city resources. Omaha operates under a strong-mayor and council system, meaning the mayor holds significant authority over executive functions. The mayor’s powers and responsibilities include:
›› Directing city operations, ensuring government efficiency, and setting the strategic vision for Omaha’s growth and development
›› Enforcing city ordinances, implementing policies approved by the City Council, and proposing new initiatives to improve city services
›› Developing and submitting the annual city budget, allocating funds for public safety, infrastructure, economic development, and city services
›› Appointing and managing the heads of city departments
›› Working with the police and fire departments to maintain public safety and respond to emergencies
›› Promoting business growth, attracting new investments, and supporting local job creation initiatives.
›› Representing Omaha in discussions with state and federal governments, advocating for policies and funding that benefit the city
›› Engaging with residents, business leaders, and community organizations, addressing concerns, and informing the public on city initiatives
Omaha’s mayoral elections are held every four years, following a nonpartisan format in which candidates don’t represent specific political parties on the ballot. The upcoming election cycle includes a primary election on April 1, 2025. The top two vote-getters then advance to the May 13, 2025, general election.
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