Bill would allow expanded all-mail elections

All Nebraska voting precincts could potentially hold elections entirely by mail under a bill considered by the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee March 19.

LB237, introduced by Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha, would remove the existing population threshold for counties that wish to conduct elections by mail rather than establishing polling places. Currently all-mail elections are an option only in counties with a population of less than 10,000.

The bill would allow any Nebraska county clerk or election commissioner to apply to the secretary of state for approval to allow voting by mail for all elections for any or all precincts in the county.

Cavanaugh said 67 counties currently are eligible for all-mail elections, with 11 implementing them in full. Counties that have taken advantage of the option have experienced cost savings, higher voter turnout and improved accessibility to the ballot for the elderly and those who face transportation challenges, she said.

“LB237 does not mandate mail voting statewide, rather it provides counties and individual precincts the flexibility to adopt the system if it best serves their communities,” Cavanaugh said. “The secretary of state retains the authority to approve or deny applications, ensuring that transitions occur only when warranted.”

Beth Bazyn Ferrell testified in favor of the proposal on behalf of the Nebraska Association of County Officials. She said larger counties probably wouldn’t use the option except under specific circumstances, but removing the existing population cap would allow for the possibility.

“We have a long track record of supporting this as an option,” Bazyn Ferrell said. “And that’s what we see it as. It’s an option. It’s a tool. It’s not a one-size-fits-all [solution].”

No one testified in opposition to the proposal and the committee took no immediate action on LB237.