Legislative hearing: LB535 (voter ID)

The Nebraska Legislature’s Government, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee will hold a public hearing for LB535 – State Sen. Julie Slama’s voter ID bill – at 1:30 pm CST on Wednesday, Feb. 1, in Room 1507 of the State Capitol. As Nebraska’s “Second House,” your voice is needed so that committee members fully understand the ramifications of such a measure.

We must all remind our elected officials that when Nebraskans voted in November to amend the state Constitution, they put their trust in the lawmakers to craft the details, including the assurance that barriers to the ballot will remain minimal. We all must also express clearly that any bill making it harder for Nebraskans to vote must include voter-friendly accommodations so the ability and opportunity to vote are not diminished, no one is turned away from casting their ballot, and our civil rights are protected.

To assist advocates who plan to testify in person before the committee, Civic Nebraska is hosting a virtual strategy and training session from 6 to 7:30 pm CST on Jan. 31 on Zoom. RSVP here. We’ll go over a few basic testimony pointers and, if necessary, provide space for one-on-one practice sessions.

If you won’t be able to make the hearing on LB535 on Feb. 1, we strongly encourage you to send the committee an email before Jan. 31 explaining why preserving free access to the ballot is so vitally important, and why any and all voter ID legislation must keep the welfare of voters in mind.