A bill that makes a number of technical changes to the state\u2019s election laws advanced from general file April 23.<\/p>\n
Gretna Sen. John Murante, sponsor of LB575, said the bill is a \u201cclean up\u201d effort on behalf of the secretary of state, election commissioners and county clerks across Nebraska.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is the compilation of a lot of hard work from a lot of people,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
As introduced, LB575 would:
\n\u2022 clarify that vacancies for all offices must be filled within 45 days;
\n\u2022 replace \u201ca majority\u201d with \u201cone-half or more\u201d for vacancies that trigger special election;
\n\u2022 replace 10 days prior to election with \u201csecond Friday\u201d as the deadline for write-in affidavits;
\n\u2022 allow early voting requests to be submitted via e-mail;
\n\u2022 require voter history to be completed within 30 days rather than 60 days after an election;
\n\u2022 remove outdated language regarding county commissioners;
\n\u2022 close the potential for fusion candidates;
\n\u2022 remove primary election information from early voter return envelopes; and
\n\u2022 add language allowing the Nebraska secretary of state to designate a meeting location within the Capitol building for state canvassing board meetings.<\/p>\n
Murante explained that a fusion candidate, which exist in some states, is a candidate for political office that holds the nomination for more than one political party. He said LB575 would clarify that fusion candidates are not permissible in Nebraska.<\/p>\n
A Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee amendment, adopted 32-0, would make several additional technical changes.<\/p>\n
The amendment added provisions of LB578, introduced by Murante, which would:
\n\u2022 allow poll workers to choose not to be paid or to allocate their pay to an organization contracted to recruit poll works;
\n\u2022 allow election officials and members of law enforcement to make copies of a voter’s registration form for list maintenance and law enforcement purposes;
\n\u2022 allow for the removal of certain information on an early ballot application; and
\n\u2022 raise the minimum rate that a political subdivision can be charged for an election from $50 to $100.<\/p>\n
The amendment also added provisions of two additional bills:
\nLB514, originally introduced by Omaha Sen. Joni Craighead, which would add an option for voters who wish to register to vote and vote early on the same day; and
\nLB319, introduced by Sen. Jim Smith of Papillion, which would permit election by mail for special elections involving candidates.<\/p>\n
The bill advanced to select file on a 34-0 vote.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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