Bill to Cut Early Voting Days Restricts Nebraskans’ Rights Without Reason

LB1211 is a solution to a non-existent problem  

Lincoln – A proposal to drastically reduce the number of in-person and absentee mail-in voting days will limit the voices of working Nebraskans and busy parents at the ballot box, restricting the right to vote in an important election year.  

LB1211 is a proposal to cut the number of in-person early voting days from 30 to 22, and the number of days a ballot can be mailed for absentee voting from 35 to 22. This will most drastically affect mail-in absentee voting, forcing voters to quickly put their ballots back in the mail only days after receiving it if they want their vote to be counted. This will undoubtedly affect elderly, disabled and other voters who rely on mail-in voting for their votes to be counted.  

In addition to drastically cutting mail-in voting days, cutting in-person voting days limits the ability of working Nebraskans, as well as parents and caregivers, to have their voices heard.  

“In an important presidential election, the voices of all Nebraskans need to be heard at the ballot box. With so much at stake, the legislature’s priority should be focused on ensuring the rights of every eligible voter rather than restricting our access. There is no reason or need to limit the number of days Nebraskans have for voting, and this change disproportionately impacts the elderly, working Nebraskans and families who need to balance their everyday needs with voting access,” said Gavin Geis, Executive Director of Common Cause Nebraska.  

According to news reports, LB1211 was filed to limit any “nefarious” happenings during early voting. But according to a Feb. 5, 2022 report from the Nebraska Secretary of State, zero voter fraud affidavits were submitted after the 2020 presidential election, including none during early voting or for mail-in absentee voting.

Additionally, a voter-funded audit in Sarpy County turned up no evidence of voter fraud in either the 2020 or 2022 elections. Last summer, local representatives in Lancaster County and the Deputy Secretary of State again confirmed Nebraska elections are safe and secure, with small errors – less than a one-hundredth of a percentage point.

Common Cause Nebraska encourages legislators to vote against LB1211 and leave the current early voting rules in place for this important election year.  

LB1211 will be heard before the Government, Military, and Veteran’s Affairs committee on February 14, 2024 at 1:30pm in Room 1507 at the Nebraska Capitol.  

Common Cause is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization dedicated to upholding the core values of American democracy. We work to create open, honest, and accountable government that serves the public interest; promote equal rights, opportunity, and representation for all; and empower all people to make their voices heard in the political process.