Even before COVID-19, the 2020 election was shaping up to be historic in terms of intensity, interest, and participation. As part of our Election Protection Program, Civic Nebraska typically trains and deploys several dozen nonpartisan election observers around the state on Election Day.
That’s likely to look somewhat different this May 12, the day of the Nebraska Primary. Our primary election is still eight weeks away, but COVID-19’s rapid spread has created uncertainty about how our election processes around the state might need to change, if at all.
We agree with officials who have echoed that our democracy must continue to function, even in a crisis. Currently, the Nebraska Secretary of State’s office indicates in-person voting will occur in Nebraska on May 12. So, with similar hope and optimism, we and our partners are continuing our plans to train volunteer election observers for the primaries.
Our first Election Protector Training will be 5 p.m. April 9 on Facebook Live. You can RSVP here. In addition to discussing election observation, we’ll share important election information and resources that every Nebraskan should know right now, whether they ultimately act as observers or not.
Now more than ever, it’s important for every voter to be aware of their rights on Primary Election Day and to know where they can go to get help. Our virtual training and Q&A will seek to provide those answers and to point you to resources that can help.
Mark your calendars, Like us on Facebook if you haven’t yet, and then RSVP for the session. And thank you, as always, for defending your democracy.
John Cartier
Director of Voting Rights
Civic Nebraska
