Civic Nebraska is seeking volunteers to observe polling places around the state for the May 12 Nebraska primary election. Election observers act in a nonpartisan role, monitoring precincts and reporting their observations. Among other duties, election observers look for any irregularities or differing treatment of voters.
“Election observation is essential for maintaining public confidence in our state’s electoral process,” said John Cartier, Civic Nebraska’s director of voting rights. “It’s also the primary way we’re informed on what necessary policy changes are needed to address issues encountered by Nebraskans every time they cast a ballot.”
Information gathered on Election Day is shared with local county election officials and state election officials to identify areas of success and improvement, and to pursue future legislative initiatives to improve the voting process in Nebraska.
The information is also compiled into the state’s only comprehensive election audit report available to the public. See our 2018 general election report here.
Civic Nebraska has deployed trained election observers to precincts in Lincoln, Omaha, and Greater Nebraska since 2012. In 2018, more than 150 volunteers chronicled and reported their observations.
Election Protectors must be 18 or older and registered Nebraska voters. Those interested can sign up with this form. Volunteers will attend a short training and then schedule an observation location and shift.
Potential volunteer observers also can contact us at 402.904.5191 to arrange one-on-one, small-group, or remote video training.
