Bill would shorten early voting, vote by mail periods

Nebraskans would have less time to vote prior to Election Day under a bill heard Jan. 26 by the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee.

LB785, introduced by Sen. Mike Groene of North Platte, would reduce time allowed for early, in-person voting from 30 days to 22 and for voting by mail from 35 days to 22.

The bill also would allow a voter to appoint an agent to return a marked early voting ballot. Such an agent could do so for no more than two other individuals. A candidate or member of a campaign committee could not serve as an agent unless the individual was acting as an agent for a family member.

Groene said the bill would enhance election integrity and prevent ballot harvesting.

“Ballots shouldn’t be laying around on kitchen tables,” Groene said. “To get a ballot and fill it out and mail it back in shouldn’t take 35 days.”

No one testified in support of LB785.

Lancaster County Election Commission David Shively testified against the bill. Election participation has increased dramatically since “no-excuse” early voting was adopted in 1999, he said, and voters have grown accustomed to the 35-day limit. He added that mail service has slowed recently, making it more difficult to assure timely delivery of ballots.

“Getting ballots to voters as early as possible allows the voter to receive their ballots and return their ballots without worrying about delays in the postal service,” Shively said.

Edison McDonald, director of the Arc of Nebraska, also testified in opposition, saying the bill would make voting more difficult, especially for Nebraskans with disabilities.

The committee took no immediate action on LB785.