As the 2024 U.S. elections approach, Nebraska residents are preparing for their opportunity to vote. Nebraska, a “no-excuse” early voting state, allows all registered voters to request an early voting (absentee) ballot without needing to provide a reason, making the process more accessible to many voters across the state.
Early voting dates for Nebraska
Early voting in Nebraska kicks off several weeks before the general election. For the 2024 U.S. elections, the first day of in-person early voting is October 7, 2024, at county election offices across the state. This gives voters the flexibility to cast their ballot without waiting until Election Day, which is November 5, 2024.
If you plan to vote early by mail, the deadline to request an early voting ballot is October 25, 2024, at 6 p.m. This is the last day that county election offices will accept requests for mail-in ballots. Voters should act quickly to ensure that their request is processed in time.
Nebraska election officials began mailing early voting ballots on September 30, 2024, to voters who had already submitted their applications, along with a valid form of ID. If you miss the October 25 deadline, your only option for early voting will be in-person at your county election office.
How to apply for an early voting ballot
Applying for an early voting ballot is a straightforward process in Nebraska. You can submit an application by mail, fax, or email to your county election office. To access the early voting ballot application form, you can visit the Nebraska Secretary of State’s website and download it. Make sure to include your Nebraska driver’s license or state ID number on the application, or attach a copy of an acceptable form of photo identification. For voters who are unable to provide a photo ID, a reasonable impediment certification can be submitted in its place.
Once completed, the application should be sent to your county election office by October 25, 2024. You can mail, fax, or scan and email the form, but it is important to verify with your election office that they have received it before the deadline.
Voting in-person
For those who prefer to vote in person but want to avoid the Election Day rush, Nebraska offers in-person early voting at county election offices. In-person early voting begins October 7, 2024, and runs through November 4, 2024, the day before the general election. Early voting is available during regular business hours, and voters must bring an acceptable form of photo ID. Acceptable IDs include Nebraska driver’s licenses, state IDs, U.S. passports, and more. IDs can be expired, as long as they were issued by a recognized Nebraska institution.
Deadlines to keep in mind
Here’s a summary of the important deadlines for Nebraska voters:
- October 7, 2024: First day of in-person early voting at county election offices.
- October 18, 2024: Last day to register to vote online or by mail.
- October 25, 2024: Deadline to request an early voting ballot (by 6 p.m.).
- November 4, 2024: Last day to vote early in person at your county election office.
- November 5, 2024: Election Day, Polls open at 9 a.m. ET and close at 9 p.m. ET. Early voting ballots must be returned by the close of polls.
Mailing or returning your early voting ballot
Once you’ve received your early voting ballot, you have until 9 p.m. ET on Election Day, November 5, to ensure it arrives at your county election office. Nebraska election officials stress that ballots postmarked before Election Day but arriving late will not be counted, so it’s important to plan ahead. You can return your completed ballot by mail, in person at your county election office, or by using a designated dropbox.
Who should consider early voting?
Early voting is an excellent option for many Nebraska residents, especially those who:
- Will be traveling or out of town on Election Day.
- Have work schedules that make it difficult to visit the polls.
- Are hospitalized, ill, or have medical conditions that prevent them from voting in person.
- Simply prefer the convenience of voting early to avoid lines and crowds.
Read more: When does early voting begin in Ohio? Dates, deadlines, and when you can vote in US Elections 2024
