Unicameral lawmakers are looking to change the way Nebraskans vote. Senators listened to testimony last week on a proposed constitutional amendment, requiring voters to show identification before they cast their ballot.
Those in support say it’s about keeping the election process safe from fraud, voting is a precious right and should be protected as such, and added that other states have actually seen increased voter turnout as a result of similar bills.
The measure is largely viewed as an attempt to suppress low-income and minority voting since there is almost no evidence of voter fraud. Those against the measure say there is not a voter fraud problem in Nebraska.
Jean During-Clinchard said the penalties are enough to discourage voter fraud, including being subject to a class- 4 felony, a fine of up to $10,000 and 5 years imprisonment.
Katie Larson, from the Heartland Workers Center, said she has been a bilingual poll worker in a primarily Hispanic community for 5 elections and she has never had any issues with voter fraud or voter impersonation, and never had any issues with an undocumented person or a person with legal resident status making an attempt to vote.
Gweldolen Hines added this would only make it more difficult for people to have their opinions heard by adding onerous voting restrictions.
The final product, if it makes it to the floor, will go on the general election ballot in November 2018. This bill does have a few more steps before you could see it on the ballot. The committee must vote it to the floor – where all senators will get to have a say on it.
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT FOR VOTER ID
