Nebraska voting FAQ

Maya Marchel Hoff
·5 min read

In 2024, votes will be cast on issues and races that will set America’s direction for the coming years. The USA TODAY Network has everything you need to know to make the best choices for yourself and your family at the ballot box.

When are elections taking place this year?

  • April 15-May 13:  Early in-person voting is open.

  • May 14 - Primary election day. Mail-in ballots must be in by 8 p.m. Central time.

  • Oct. 7-Nov. 4: Early in-person voting for the general election

  • Nov. 5: Election Day. Mail-in ballots must be in by 8 p.m. Central time.

How do I register to vote in Nebraska?

Voters may register online, by mail or in person. Voters must be U.S. citizens who are 18 years old by Nov. 5, 2024,and must present an acceptable form of identification. A new law allows convicted felons to vote in the general election after they have completed their sentence and any probation.

The ballot you will receive depends on which political affiliation you list when you request a ballot. In Nebraska, political parties decide who gets to vote in primary elections, so if you register as nonpartisan, you will receive a ballot with only the nonpartisan state and local races. To vote in the congressional primaries as a nonpartisan, you may request an additional ballot.

Key dates for voter registration:

  • April 29: This is the last day to register to vote online. Registration must be completed before midnight Central time. It is also the last day to register in person at DMVs and the Nebraska Departments of Education and Health and Human Services by office closing time.

  • May 3: This is the last day for in-person voter registration, which ends at 6 p.m. Central.

What are the important races on the ballot this year?

Along with the presidential primary, Nebraskans will choose their three representatives and the U.S. House and two U.S. senators.

One key race garnering national interest is the Second District Congressional election where current Republican Rep. Don Bacon is expected to face Democratic state Sen. Tony Vargas in November.

Also on the ballot are 25 seats in the Nebraska legislature, half the seats in the State Board of Education, those from districts 1-4, and members of the Board of Regents for the University of Nebraska from districts 3, 4, 5 and 8.

A handful of petitions for ballot initiatives are being circulated across the state for issues including medical cannabis legalization, reproductive rights, paid sick leave and establishing an inheritance tax. These petition drives have until July to collect the required number of signatures to get on the November ballot.

What do I need to bring to my polling place?

Starting this year, Nebraska voters must present valid photo voter identification when they are voting at a polling place. Here is a list of eligible IDs, and according to the state’s website, the photo ID can be expired and have an out-of-date address.

  • Nebraska driver’s license or state ID

  • Passport

  • Military ID

  • Tribal ID

  • Hospital, assisted living or nursing home record

  • Nebraska college or university ID

  • Nebraska political subdivision ID

If you forget your voter ID at home when going to the polls, you can cast a provisional ballot and then present an acceptable form of ID at your county commissioner’s office up to a week after the election date. For voters who have religious objections to being photographed or reasonable impediments to getting a photo ID, they can complete a Reasonable Impediment Certification.

If you do not have a state issued driver's license, you can obtain a state ID at a DMV for free by providing documents confirming identity and address. Nebraskans can obtain a free copy of their Nebraska birth certificates through the state Department of Health and Human Services.

For more information on the voter ID law, visit the Nebraska Secretary of State website.

Find your polling place on the Nebraska election website.

More: Want to vote? This year, you'll need a photo ID for the Nebraska primary

What do I need to know about absentee and early voting?

Nebraska has a no-excuse policy where anyone can request a ballot to vote early without providing a reason. No distinction is made between early voting and absentee voting. You can apply for a ballot through your county clerk or election commissioner by mail, fax or by scanning a picture of your application and emailing it to your county election official.

If you are voting by mail, you have two options for presenting ID. You can either provide the number on your driver’s license or state ID or send in a copy of another eligible form of ID.

Locate your ballot drop box here.

What are the deadlines for absentee and early voting?

Nebraska voters can vote early at county election commissioners offices up to 30 days before state primary and general election days.

Here are the key dates to know:

  • May 3: The last day to request a mail-in ballot for early voting.

  • April 15-May 13:  Early in-person voting is open.

  • May 14: Primary election day. The deadline to deliver mail-in ballots is 8 p.m. Central time and 7 p.m. Mountain time.

  • July 8: The first day for election officials to accept early voting ballot requests for the general election.

  • Oct. 7-Nov. 4: Early in-person voting is open.

  • Oct. 25: The deadline to request a mail-in ballot for early voting.

  • Nov. 5: Election Day. This deadline to deliver mail-in ballots is 8 p.m. Central time and 7 p.m. Mountain time.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nebraska voting FAQ