Lawmakers gave final approval May 14 to a bill that makes a number of technical changes to the state\u2019s election laws.<\/p>\n
Among other changes, LB575, sponsored by Gretna Sen. John Murante, will:
\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\n\u2022 remove outdated language regarding county commissioners;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 allow poll workers to allocate their pay to a nonprofit entity;
\n\u2022 remove primary election information from early voter return envelopes;
\n\u2022 require election commissioners in counties with a population more than 100,000 to wait 30 days after leaving office before running for or holding elective office;
\n\u2022 add language allowing the Nebraska secretary of state to designate a meeting location within the Capitol building for state canvassing board meetings; and
\n\u2022 allow the state Department of Motor Vehicles to furnish commercial driver\u2019s license information to the secretary of state\u2019s office for election law purposes.<\/p>\n
The bill contains provisions of LB578, introduced by Murante, which will:
\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 bill also contains provisions of two additional bills:
\n\u2022 LB514, originally introduced by Omaha Sen. Joni Craighead, which adds an option for voters who wish to register to vote and vote early on the same day; and
\n\u2022 LB319, introduced by Sen. Jim Smith of Papillion, which permits election by mail for special elections involving candidates.<\/p>\n
LB575 passed on a vote of 43-2.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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