Lancaster County’s Election Commissioner’s office is teaming up with public libraries to ensure Nebraskans can vote even in the midst of a pandemic.
Election Commissioner Dave Shively announced the partnership at a press conference Thursday, Sept. 24, and said public libraries in Lincoln, Hickman and Waverly have secure ballot boxes for voters inside the building. Registered early voters can drop off their ballot at the library and an election commission’s office employee will pick them up every weekday.
Voters have the option to do this until Monday, Nov. 2, otherwise the ballots need to be delivered to the office at 601 North 46th Street in Lincoln, or voters must cast their ballot in person. City of Lincoln mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird encouraged every eligible resident to do their civic duty and vote.
“We are proud of all the work that our county and state have done this year to make this sacred right even more accessible than ever before,” Baird said.
In order to vote early, Lancaster County residents must register to vote online or by mail before Friday, Oct. 16, or they can register in-person by Friday, Oct. 23. To be counted, all ballots need to be received by the office on Tuesday, Nov. 3 at 8 p.m.
Shively said the deadlines are final and are not adjustable.
“We want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to vote,” he said. “But we have to do it according to the state laws as they are outlined.”
The election commissioner’s office sent more than 50,000 ballots Monday, Sept. 28, to those who have registered to vote early, and people have been able to vote in-person at the office since Monday, Oct. 5. Though people can vote in person, the office encourages people to mail in their ballot.
“We would really encourage people to vote by mail,” he said. “We’d like to limit the number of people voting in the office.”
Dropping off a ballot at a local library is another alternative to traditional in-person voting and gives residents a close location to drop off the ballot.
“Libraries are absolutely delighted and pleased to be part of the voting process this year, Lincoln City Library director Pat Leach said. “So we will welcome all voters who come to a library to drop off their ballot.”
Shively said he cannot predict how many people will vote, but in previous elections, about 70% of eligible Lincoln residents cast a ballot. Baird said she is optimistic that Lancaster County will break a record for number of ballots received — especially with the numerous options to cast a ballot.
“While we may miss the pleasure of showing off our I voted sticker on our collar, we are pleased by our community’s innovative approach to offer those safe alternatives,” Baird said.
