Same-day voting, registration changes approved

People wanting to register to vote and cast an early ballot on the same day will face new requirements under a bill passed by the Legislature April 9.

LB565, introduced by Omaha Sen. John Nelson, creates new procedures for registering to vote and casting an early ballot on the same day.

Under the bill, an early ballot cast will be placed in an envelope with the voter’s name and address and kept securely for counting. It cannot be counted if an acknowledgement of registration sent to the registrant is returned undeliverable within 10 days of mailing. If the acknowledgement is not returned after 10 days, the ballot will be counted.

The deadline for registering to vote and voting on the same day is the same as the deadline for voter registration.

Senators passed the bill on a 37-3 vote.