Posted 11/8 at 11:34 p.m.
Incumbent Rep. Flood claims 1st Congressional District victory
By Emma Dostal
Incumbent Republican Rep. Mike Flood made a speech at his election night party in Norfolk ahead of national projections that he would win the 1st Congressional District.
Flood shared his four objectives: to cut reckless spending, aid tax relief, secure the border of the United States and Mexico and defend agriculture.
Audio recorded by Landon Wirt at Rep. Mike Flood's election night party in Norfolk.
The Associated Press projected Flood as the winner of the 1st Congressional District at 11:05 p.m. on election night.
Democratic State Sen., Patty Pansing Brooks, and her campaign have not made any public statements or comments on social media about the race projection.
Before the polls closed on Tuesday, Pansing Brooks tweeted, “No matter the outcome of this race, I’m so incredibly grateful to my supporters, voters & every person who has joined me on this journey!”
Posted 11/8 at 10:15 p.m.
Pillen claims victory in governor race
By Emma Dostal
Republican candidate for governor, Jim Pillen, claimed victory in the Nebraska governor’s race two hours after election polls closed.
“Nebraska voters spoke with one voice tonight for less government, less mandates, less taxes, and in favor of commonsense, business leadership,” Pillen said, according to a media release from his campaign. “I want to thank countless supporters across the state who made this victory possible tonight. Tomorrow, we begin again the work of making Nebraska the greatest place in the world to work and raise a family.”
Democratic candidate for governor, Carol Blood, and her campaign have not made any public statements or comments on social media.
Posted 11/8 at 9:45 p.m.
Slattery Election party held at Strategic Air Command Museum
By Caitlyn Thomas
At an election night watch party at the Strategic Air Command Museum in Ashland, friends and family of legislative candidate Sarah Slattery gathered to watch the results play out.
Slattery is running against incumbent Robert Clements of Elmwood.
"I think there's been a lot more voter turnout than expected," Michelle Bates said. "I know, I've been telling all my friends and family make sure you vote. I think voting is very important nowadays. I think that that's the only way we're going to be able to get the right type of representation in our in our government."
Her son, Jayden Speed, agreed.
"It's important that you get out and vote," he said. "So we can make sure we have candidates in our legislature that don't support dangerous legislation."
Posted 11/8 at 9:35 p.m.
Congressional and governor races tighten in early returns
By Emma Dostal
The election polls closed an hour and a half ago, and the Democrat lead has decreased with a closer race between the candidates for governor, 1st Congressional District and 2nd Congressional District.
Republican candidate for governor, Jim Pillen, leads with 50% of the votes, surpassing Democratic candidate Carol Blood.
Incumbent Republican Rep. Mike Flood leads the 1st Congressional District race with 51% of the votes.
Nebraska state senator and Democrat, Tony Vargas, leads the 2nd Congressional District race with 50% of the votes.
Incumbent Republican Rep. Adrian Smith leads the 3rd Congressional District race with 73% of the votes. Smith is projected to win the district according to The New York Times.
Many of votes being counted are from early and mail-in ballots. The races are more competitive as general election results continued to be counted.
Posted 11/8 at 9:15 p.m.
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Posted 11/8 at 8:50 p.m.
Posted 11/8 on 8:50 p.m.
Democrats lead early election reports
By Emma Dostal
The election polls closed in Nebraska at 8 p.m. Here are the election results that have been reported as of 8:30 p.m.
Democratic candidate for governor, Carol Blood, leads with 53% of the votes.
Nebraska state senator and Democrat, Patty Pansing Brooks, leads the 1st Congressional District race with 56% of the votes.
Nebraska state senator and Democrat, Tony Vargas, leads the 2nd Congressional District race with 57% of the votes.
Incumbent Republican Rep. Adrian Smith leads the 3rd Congressional District race with 69% of the votes.
Posted at 11/8 at 8:25 p.m.
Posted 11/8 at 8:23 p.m.
Initiative 433 may increase minimum wage for Nebraskans
KRNU student reporter Quin Sleddens covers Initiative 433. Initiative 433 would raise Nebraska's minimum wage over the next few decades.
Posted 11/8 at 8:22 p.m.
Initiative 432 will require Nebraskans to present ID at polls
KRNU student reporter Hallie Gutzwiller covers Initiative 432 and why Nebraskans think it's controversial. Initiative 432 would require all Nebraskans to present a photo ID in order to vote at the polls.
Posted 11/8 at 8:20 p.m.
Campaign advertising has a deeper meaning than you think
Campaign advertising is abundant during election season. KRNU student reporter Kelby Bachman covers why campaign advertising sticks in our heads.
Posted 11/8 at 8:18 p.m.
Some Nebraskans think that Initiative 432 may cause more harm than good
KRNU student reporter Emma Smith covers Initiative 432, a policy that Nebraska voters will vote upon on Nov. 8. Initiative 432 would require all Nebraskans to present a photographic ID when voting at the polls.
Posted 11/8 at 8:15 p.m.
Overview of Nebraska 2nd Congressional District candidates: Don Bacon and Tony Vargas
KRNU student reporters Erick Estrada and Bousaina Ibrahim give an overview of the 2nd Congressional District candidates, Tony Vargas and Don Bacon.
Posted 11/8 at 8: 12 p.m.
Overview of Nebraska 1st Congressional District candidates: Patty Pansing Brooks and Mike Flood
KRNU student reporter Samantha Grove covers profiles of Nebraska 1st Congressional District candidates Patty Pansing Brooks and Mike Flood.
Posted 11/8 at 8:03 p.m.
Nebraska may increase minimum wage over the next few decades depending on poll results
KRNU student reporter Holly Fischer covers Initiative 433, which would increase minimum wage.
Posted 11/8 at 7:50 p.m.
LPS Student Vote in 30th year offers students a voice in upcoming election
By Zach Wendling
As voters line up at the polls for election day in 2022, students in Lincoln Public Schools have already cast their votes in the 30th year of LPS’s Student Vote.
While the votes won’t impact the Nov. 8 election results, 19,698 students across LPS elementary, middle and high schools voluntarily made their voices heard. Only fourth and fifth graders voted in elementary schools, while a non-LPS school — Lincoln Christian — is also included in the total.
Students voted for governor, Nebraska’s 1st Congressional District and the two ballot initiatives on requiring photo ID for elections in Nebraska and incrementally increasing the state’s minimum wage to $15 by 2026.
Katie Nelson, a Lakeview fifth-grade teacher who has Carson, Houston and Ayviana in her class, said it’s important for younger students to build background knowledge and understand the voting process.
“I love that students are having the opportunity to better understand the process of voting as well as understanding the importance of voting and having your voice heard,” Nelson said.
Two University of Nebraska-Lincoln political science professors said the Student Vote is an example of political socialization, which argues that environmental agents — friends, family and institutions like schools and media — impact political attitudes and behaviors.
Professor Kevin Smith, chair of the Department of Political Science, said younger students certainly are picking up more on what parents and other adults are saying around them, while older students may have some more independent thoughts.
“I think it just sort of catches the general tenor of not just parents but sort of the larger community that a school reflects,” Smith said.
Click here to read more and see the results of the in-school elections.
Posted 11/8 at 6:10 p.m.
Local Lincoln bookstore owners vote in midterm election
By Helen Howard
Although few pedestrians roamed the sidewalks during the cold, gray weather of Tuesday afternoon, the stream of cars was never-ending on 9th and M Street during the lunch hour.
Inside Bluestem Books, it’s a slow day, quiet except for Scott Wendt, 75, who sat at his computer typing while the resident shop dog, Maribel, napped. Wendt displayed an “I Voted” sticker on his green sweater.
The owner, with his wife, of Bluestem Books for over 30 years, Wendt always votes.
“I live in a country that needs people voting,” he said, laughed at the thought of not voting. “I voted by mail the first year of COVID-19, but other than that I always enjoy going and placing my ballot in the box. There’s something more special about that.”
When asked if Election Day affected the store’s traffic and atmosphere, he simply stated, “Not so far,” laughing.
Posted 11/8 at 6:05 p.m.
City mission urges to homeless to vote
By Niheala Ponnatha
Laughter and the sound of crinkling paper fill the lobby of the People’s City Mission in Lincoln. A group of employees sits around a large box of mugs, carefully wrapping each one in transparent paper.
The office employees and volunteers are occupied with preparing for their fundraiser event. There is no evidence that a hectic election is happening on the same day.
Pastor Tom Barber, the CEO of the People’s City Mission, said voting and elections are important to the People’s City Mission.
“We really encourage the homeless and those who are financially struggling, to vote,” Barber said.
The Mission remains apolitical, but Barber does support legislation that would help raise the minimum wage.
“We are really affected by the economic policy,” Barber said. “Whether they be Republican or Democrat, anyone who helps keep inflation at bay helps The Mission.”
Posted 11/8 at 6:05
Lincoln woman votes; passionate about issues on the ballot
By Emerson McClure
A man with a basket full of groceries waited patiently at a checkout lane at the Oriental Market while a woman came scurrying behind the cash register.
“Are you ready to checkout?” Cathy Chan asked, and the man nodded with a smile.
Aside from a customer looking around at items on the shelves, his grandson jumping around and gazing at the variety of Korean food products in excitement, the store was quiet.
Chan already voted that morning. She was passionate about the minimum wage bill, partly due to a personal connection.
“I knew one of the people running, so of course I had to get my vote in,” she said. “It’s important to vote to get your voice out, to be accounted for, to say I voted and did my part. I’m just glad the polls are open late too; you can’t make it if you have work.”
Posted 11/8 at 6 p.m.
First-time Lincoln voter casts vote in high stake elections
By Erick Estrada
At 4:07 p.m. on Election Day, employees at Neveria Arcoiris mopped the floors and wiped the tables clean of melted ice cream.
The glass front door swung open and a customer entered, heading directly to the cashier. Junior web developer Sarita Garcia knew exactly what she wanted.
Neveria Arcoiris is just one of the stops Garcia will be making today, as she plans to vote. After living in Nebraska for over a year, this will be her first time voting in Lincoln.
“I don’t know much about the politics here, but I do know a lot about my own politics,” said the Texas native.
Despite being unfamiliar with Nebraska’s politics, she still believes that voting at the local level makes the most impact.
“I feel like a lot is at stake,” Garcia said. “Especially for women of color and people of color in general.”
Posted 11/8 at 5:55 p.m.
Students at Kawasaki push diversity in midterm elections
By Dominic Bhola
It's a gray, gloomy Tuesday, but the Kawasaki Reading Room is full of color and brimming with life.
"We should have diverse voices everywhere, but especially in office," said Christa Rahl, 25.
Rahl sits at the front desk of the multicultural library. Behind her, tall bookcases are neatly packed with a myriad of Japanese literature.
The reading room always seems to be in the midst of a festival or celebration, even on a quiet Election Day.
Students from various backgrounds and identities gather in the study area, surrounded by a rich fusion of Japanese culture, traditions, and history.
Purple flowers are tucked into an iron tea kettle on the windowsill.
"If you have a whole bunch of people from one community, they're only going to know about the issues in their community," Rahl said, "But if you bring up different points of view, it strengths everyone."
Posted 11/8 at 5:45 p.m.
First-time voter says voting is the way to get things done
By Meyri Ibrahim
It’s lunchtime at Neveria San Marcos and the smell of corn greets customers walking into the restaurant.
The hum of the coolers and Spanish commercials fill the restaurant as two people stand in the corner, waiting for their food.
Yasmin holds a mangonada in her hand, one of Neveria’s specialties, as she shares that she voted in her first election yesterday.
“When you choose to vote, it’s easy to say you have a partial voice in what’s happening,” Yasmin said.
Standing next to her, Juanita says that she still hasn’t voted yet, but plans on doing so after she has time to look at the options available.
Although she feels that this election doesn’t have as much of an impact because it’s not a presidential election, she doesn’t know how else anything will get done.
“One vote might not mean anything, but one vote from a bunch of people makes a change,” said Juanita.
Posted 11/8 at 5:30 p.m.
CoJMC student Tanner Dykstra introduces University of Nebraska-Lincoln political science professors who will break down the election numbers as they come in tonight. We'll hear more from them between 8 and 9 p.m.
Political science professor talk preview
Posted 11/8 at 5:20 p.m.
Lincoln businesswomen says voting is the biggest privilege
By Savannah Redl
40-year-old Corinthia Fisher sat down with a sigh during a break between hair appointments. The morning of the election, the owner of Fisher’s Beauty and Barber doesn’t know if she’ll vote.
As a Black business owner, she said she doesn’t know if any politician is truly for her. However, she knows her vote matters and that things can change.
“There is a sense of urgency to help and be involved,” she said.
She wrestles with the idea of voting, before settling on a side.
“Voting is the biggest privilege we get,” she said. She took a long pause, thinking, before getting up to prepare for her next appointment.
“I’m a little too grown not to be responsible,” she said. “Besides, part of being grown is not listening to other people and making a decision for yourself.”
Posted 11/8 at 5:20 p.m.
Local business owner stresses importance of voting
By Milana Done
Sid Conner makes the sign asking customers to patiently wait for assistance at the counter obsolete as he seeks customers out to eagerly ask, “Can I help you find anything today?”
Conner’s Architectural Antiques, owned by Sid and his wife Cheryl, has been in business for 48 years. It's filled with everything from stained glass to crystal chandeliers.
The Conners commute from Crete to their Lincoln storefront. Today, they had a stop to make, highlighted by the “I voted” sticker on the front pocket of Sid’s button-down shirt.
“I’ve been very concerned that the entire fabric of democracy was threatened because of the previous administration,” he said.
Voting has always been a big deal in Sid’s family.
“My dad was one of the ministers that went to Hattiesburg, Mississippi to register Black voters in the 60s,” Sid said. “I come from a long line of rabble-rousers.”
Posted 11/8 at 5:15
Lincoln bookstore owner urges all to vote
By Austin Knippelmeir
Tuesday evening at A Novel Idea saw both customers and cats alike wandering the shelves of the locally owned bookstore in downtown Lincoln. Cinnamon Dokken, the owner of the bookstore, sat at her desk, looking over the store as she displayed her “I Voted” sticker for all to see.
“Voting is one of the most sacred responsibilities that you have as a citizen,” said Dokken. “It's your opportunity to weigh in on issues that affect you and the entire community.”
Dokken rocks both her sticker and her “Vote!” socks, highlighting the fact that she thinks young individuals should be encouraged to go out and vote as these officials and policies will affect them in the future.
“Young people especially need to vote,” Dokken said. “You will be bearing the weight of these decisions for the next several decades so it’s very important."
Posted 11/8 at 5:10 p.m.
Local art shop owner votes early; says voting is essential
By Dulce Garcia
Gomez Arts Supply, a staple of downtown Lincoln, is quiet this Election Day. With no art students buying supplies, the shop sits empty with only one employee and the owner working today.
Toan Vuong, a sales associate for the store, sits calmly scrolling on his laptop. He’s in no rush to get to the polls — he submitted an early ballot a month ago.
For Vuong, voting during midterms is essential.
“The midterms are important because the branches of the government all have parts that make decisions that affect you,” he said. “This idea that only the presidential election and who we chose to make executive decisions is important is not really a good frame of mind.”
He believes that voting is also a civic duty that all should fulfill.
“Not a lot of people around the world have this kind of right,” he said. “Everyone should vote.”
Posted 11/8 at 5 p.m.
Chicago native votes early by mail, hopes for change
By Odelia Amenyah
The thrum of basketballs bouncing off hardwood courts and sharp exhales as people lift weights echo throughout the YMCA in downtown Omaha.
Employees sit at the front desk, working on their computers and checking people in as they enter the building.
Walking toward the entrance is Kassie Smith, 25, basketball shoes in hand as she approaches the gym. The first thing she notices is the sharp smell of chlorine.
Smith, a Chicago native, was aware of the importance of the midterm election.
“I cast my vote early, and by mail too since I’m not from Omaha,” Smith said.
When asked why she decided to vote in the midterm election, Smith said she was looking for a change.
Smith hopes that the outcome of the midterm election will bring in leaders who will think about people first and want to better society.
“I think change is what the world needs right now," said Smith.
Posted 11/8 at 4:50 p.m.
Lincoln woman votes in hopes of a future of change and acceptance
By Ellie Kuckelman
The sky is overcast as Misha Sysel pulls up on her bike in front of the Matt Talbot Kitchen, eager for lunch, which starts in approximately thirty minutes.
She said she views this day as special, and she plans to vote later this afternoon.
“We need to keep fighting for our country,” Sysel said.
Despite her struggles with homelessness, she has hope for the future and that this election will bring change.
“If I were president, I would put my foot down and help people who need homes and everything else,” Sysel said. She hopes that people will stop judging others and accept them for who they are.
Behind her, more people head up the stairs to lunch.
“Well, I’m going to go eat,” she said, leaving with a smile and a wave.
Posted 11/8 at 4:45 p.m.
Voter turnout "smooth sailing" at Douglas County polling places, only minor issues
By Macy Byars
Douglas County Election Commissioner Brian Kruse reported minor issues at polling places, but nothing unordinary that would prevent voters from casting their ballots.
All of Douglas County's 212 polling places opened on time at 8 a.m.
Kruse told the Omaha World Herald Tuesday afternoon's voter turnout has "been pretty smooth sailing, but busy, which is good."
At St. Andrews United Methodist Church in West Omaha, about 50 voters per hour came through, putting the polling place at their usual rate of voter turnout.
Poll workers in Douglas County removed signs in front of polling places about not requiring voter ID. Kruse said the signs could be seen as "electioneering" with voter ID on the ballot.
Before their removal, the signs informed voters they would be required to state their name and address instead of providing a valid ID.
Kruse predicts this election's voter turnout to be a record high for a non-presidential election year.
Posted 11/8 at 4:00 p.m.
Iraqi immigrant teaches citizenship, looks forward to voting
By Lauren Penington
At 1 p.m., the small conference room in the basement of the Good Neighbor Community Center is empty. Just an hour before, the table was full, with a group of a dozen people listening to Iraqi immigrant Tareq Alshareefi teach the basics of the English language.
For 54-year-old Alshareefi, Election Day is just another Tuesday — filled with meetings and classes.
However, when his co-workers make their way to the polls after work, he won’t be joining them.
“Here, I did not get citizenship yet,” Alshareeif said. “In Iraq, I did not vote, not even once.”
He said the elections in Iraq felt like a joke, with people showing up to cast a vote for one option in one office — president.
Since coming to the U.S. in 2015, Alshareefi has helped nearly 60 immigrants graduate the citizenship program and heard their excitement, looking forward to voting and to serving on a jury.
“Someday,” he said. “I will join them.”
Posted 11/8 at 4:00 p.m.
Mexican immigrant urges U.S. citizens to do their civil duty this election day
By Rebecca Hummel
Just after ringing someone up, Mariana Cocoletzi is approached by a man with a gum wrapper in his hand. He tells her not to open it until he leaves and not to throw it away.
“Oh, my goodness,” Cocoletzi said, as she nervously laughed and set the folded wrapper on the counter.
Today is stressful for Cocoletzi and the shoppers at Guerrero’s Market in south Lincoln. Afterall, it is election day.
Cocoletzi, a 28-year-old grocer at Guerrero’s, said she’s from Mexico and immigrated here when she was 7. Since Cocoletzi does not have citizenship she cannot vote, but she encourages her husband to.
“My husband is a citizen, so he’s definitely voting because it’s very important,” Cocoletzi said. “I always encourage him to go, go, go, you need to, you need to, because it’s our future.”
If possible, she wouldn’t think twice about going to the polls. Cocoletzi said she cashed people out all day who were not informed on who was running or who were not going to vote.
“I can’t vote but I do really like to encourage people to vote because for people like us, we really depend on the vote,” Cocoletzi said.
Posted 11/8 at 3:45 p.m.
Self-described uninformed resident emphasizes voting with intent
By McKenzie Johnson
On the morning of election day, Michael Glenn waited at the 11th and O Street bus stop0but he had no plans to catch a ride to the polls.
“I’m an uninformed voter, so I just choose not to vote,” Glenn said.
On the cloudy November day, he stood under the awning to avoid the splattering of rain as he made his way to work.
Glenn, 35, graduated from UNL and has been bouncing around different states since then. Until he finds a permanent place to live, he doesn’t think he should influence the leaders of a community.
Glenn said he thinks in a two-party system, uninformed voters choose the candidate from their party without considering their stances.
As his bus pulled up to the curb, Glenn grabbed his backpack and coffee. He said he wished more people took voting seriously.
“I think it’s our duty as citizens because those are the people who are making decisions. The closer those candidates are to home, the more important it is,” Glenn said. “If you don’t know who you’re putting in office and why you’re putting them there, you shouldn’t be marking their name on the ballot.”
Posted 11/8 at 3:45 p.m.
Vintage clothing store owner looks to the future when voting
By LeAnne Bugay
Kim Moser adores the 1940s.
Folding tops and dresses are displayed behind the counter at Ruby Begonia’s, a vintage clothing store Downtown. Moser said the period best suits her style.
But so do the 1930s. And the 1960s. And, of course, the 1970s.
“I love it all,” she said.
While Moser prefers clothing from decades past, she voted in the election in hopes that the country’s politics won’t become old-fashioned too.
“Abortion is a big one for me,” she said. “As a woman, I think it should be everyone’s right.”
Nearby, store owner Jen Johnson plopped a half-folded button down onto a knee-high stack of women’s attire.
“We’re trying to save our right to vote,” Johnson said.
Until the future plays out, Moser said she’s just trying to get a handle on this crazy world.
“You’ve got to try to make change,” she said. “It’s the least you can do.”
Posted 11/7 at 11 p.m.
Nebraska counties adapt to national shortage of election workers
By Lauren Penington
Amid fears of voter security and safety, Nebraska’s 93 counties continue to adapt to the national shortage of election workers — by using volunteer drafts and partnerships with neighboring counties to the institution of mail-only processes.
According to Vet the Vote, a national campaign to recruit veterans and military family members to become the next generation of poll workers, the country experienced a shortage of more than 130,000 poll workers during the 2022 general election, a number that’s grown consistently over the past three elections.
“In 2020, COVID-19 really put a damper on volunteerism,” Vet the Vote co-founder Joe Plenzler said. “The people that typically run election sites are 60 and older — 25% of them are 70 and older. And then reports in the media about threats of violence toward election officials exacerbated the issue.”
