Welcome to OutNebraska’s 2024 LGBTQ+ voter resource! On this page, you’ll find key election dates and deadlines, voter registration and polling place information, and frequently asked questions on Nebraska’s new voter identification requirements, including a resource guiding respectful interactions for poll workers and LGBTQ+ voters.
For more information on your ballot, visit Civic Nebraska’s Decoding the Ballot resource.
Dates and Deadlines
Nebraska Primary Election: May 14
April 29:
- Last day to register online
- Last day to register by mail or dropbox
May 3:
- Deadline to register in-person
- Last day to request an absentee ballot
May 13:
- Last day for in-person early voting. Early voting takes place at your county election commission office, which can be located here.
May 14:
- Election day! Polls will be open 8am-8pm CT and 7am-7pm MT
- Last day to return absentee ballot. All early voting ballots, whether dropped off personally, delivered by agent, or delivered by mail must arrive by the closing of the polls on Election Day: 8pm CT and 7pm MT. We recommend getting your absentee ballot in the mail at least a week before election day.
Nebraska General Election: November 5
October 18:
- Last day to register online
- Last day to register by mail or dropbox
October 25:
- Deadline to register in-person
- Last day to request an absentee ballot
November 4:
- Last day for in-person early voting. Early voting takes place at your county election commission office, which can be located here.
November 5:
- Election day! Polls will be open 8am-8pm CT and 7am-7pm MT
- Last day to return absentee ballot. All early voting ballots, whether dropped off personally, delivered by agent, or delivered by mail must arrive by the closing of the polls on Election Day: 8pm CT and 7pm MT. We recommend getting your absentee ballot in the mail at least a week before election day.
Voter Registration & Polling Places
Check your voter registration and make sure your information is up to date and correct. VoterView provides a quick and easy way to see your basic registration details. You can check your current party affiliation, precinct, whether you have requested a provisional/absentee ballot, your polling place and ballot type.
If you need to update your voter registration, visit the Nebraska Secretary of State Voter Registration portal. In the portal, you can update your address, party affiliation, and even your name if you have taken appropriate steps with the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Please note: If you have missed the registration cut off for the election, any updates to your registration won’t take effect until after the election.
If you are a Nebraskan who has completed your felony sentence, you no longer have to wait two years to register to vote. Starting July 19, you can register to vote immediately after you are “off papers” (meaning you have completed your term of incarceration, probation, supervised release, or parole).
Please check out the Get My Vote Back website for more details and steps to check your eligibility to vote.
Voter ID: Frequently Asked Questions
For many voters, especially transgender, nonbinary and gender-nonconforming Nebraskans, the new voter ID requirements raise questions about barriers to civic participation. We developed this guide because we believe all Nebraskans should feel empowered and confident at the ballot box.
Q: When do the voter ID requirements go into effect?
A: This upcoming primary election, which will take place on May 14, is the first election to require voter identification. All future special and statewide elections will require voter ID.
Q: What kind of identification is acceptable?
A: Several different kinds of photo identification will work for the purposes of voter ID. The Nebraska Secretary of State has provided a full list of acceptable forms of ID, including those listed below in the graphic from the SOS website.
If you don’t currently have one of these forms of ID, you can request a free state ID from the Department of Motor vehicles. Learn more about that process here.
Q: What if I’ve changed my name since I last voted?
A: The name on your voter identification must match the name on your voter record. Make sure your voter registration is up to date with your new name before the election.
If you’re planning on changing your name before the general election, make a plan ahead of time and consult the deadlines above for the smoothest process. Your voter registration information must be updated at least 18 days ahead of election day.
According to Trans Nebraska, ACLU of Nebraska’s transgender resource hub, you are still allowed to vote even if you were unable to update your registration in time. If you changed your name and still live in the same county, you will be allowed to vote at the polling place designated for your residence. A poll worker may ask you to complete a certification and new registration form. The poll worker will either give you your ballot or a provisional ballot.
For more information on name changes in Nebraska, check out this resource from Legal Aid of Nebraska. The National Center for Transgender Equality has a Voting While Trans resource complete with a checklist for election day.
Q: What if my current gender presentation doesn’t match the photo on my ID?
A: As long as the name on the identification you provide matches the name on your voter record, you are legally entitled to vote. There is no law or regulation that requires your gender presentation to match any information on your identification.
Q: What if I am turned away from voting?
A: You are legally entitled to a provisional ballot. Request one and ask for follow-up instructions, as you will have to follow up to prove your identity with election officials for your ballot to be counted. If you have concerns about your ballot being counted, contact our local election protection hotline through Civic Nebraska at (402) 890-5291, or the National Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-OURVOTE (1-866-687-8683).
Resource for Poll Workers
We worked with our partners at ACLU of Nebraska to create a guide that helps facilitate easy and respectful interactions between LGBTQ+ voters and poll workers.
The tip sheet lays out simple definitions and guidance for facilitating the vote of transgender, gender-nonconforming and nonbinary voters, covering topics such as what to do if a voter’s photo ID seems different than their current gender presentation and how to move forward after making a mistake, such as using the wrong pronouns in reference to a voter.