Election day is November 8 in Douglas County. If you are a citizen of the United States, voting is your right and an opportunity to give your input on what needs to improve in your community.
Here’s an easy guide to voting this November. If you are not a citizen, but a family member or friend is, share this information with them and ask if they have a plan to vote.
Can I vote?
You can vote if you are 18 years old or older by Nov. 8. You need to be a citizen of the U.S., and you do not need to speak English or know how to read. You need to be registered to vote.
You cannot vote if you have been convicted of a felony and you’re still serving your sentence. Only a judge can tell you you cannot vote due to an intellectual disability.
How can I register to vote?
If you’re not sure if you’re registered to vote, you can go to votedouglascounty.com to register online or check your eligibility to vote. If you don’t have access to a computer, you can call the Douglas County Commissioner office at (402) 444 VOTE.
The last day to register online to vote is Friday, Oct. 21. You have an additional week to register in person to vote by 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 28 at the Douglas County Election Commission Office, 12220 W Center Rd.
Can I vote sooner than Nov. 8?
Yes. You can fill out an online form in English or Spanish for a mail-in ballot to vote early at sos.nebraska.gov/elections/voter-forms. You can vote in person early on Oct. 11 until Monday, Nov. 7 at the Douglas County Election Commission Office, 12220 W Center Rd.
Where do I vote on Election Day?
If you choose to vote on Election Day, polls are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. You can look online here to find your polling site — your site may have changed since the last election.
Can I have help voting if I don’t speak English?
Yes. Ballots are not in Spanish in Douglas County, but it is your right to have assistance reading your ballot if you need help. If you vote in person and your polling station is in South Omaha, there may be Spanish speaking poll workers available on site on election day to assist you. You can also bring a family member or friend to help interpret your ballot.
What am I voting for?
There are many people and issues you will have the chance to vote for in the November election.
CANDIDATES:
Here are some of the main races you’ll see on the ballot this November:
- Governor of Nebraska
- Jim Pillen (Republican)
- Carol Blood (Democrat)
- Congressional District 2
- Don Bacon (Republican)
- Tony Vargas (Democrat)
- Douglas County Attorney
- Don Kleine (Republican)
- Dave Pantos (Democrat)
You can learn more about each candidate and their positions in the non-partisan Voters’ Guide of the League of Women Voters of Greater Omaha. Puede encontrar la Guía de Votante en Español aquí.
BALLOT INITIATIVES: Voters will decide on several statewide and citywide amendments, which are initiatives proposed by citizens to create, amend or repeal a law. These initiatives made it onto the ballot after citizens collected enough petition signatures of support.
Here’s a break down of what the language of each amendment on the ballot means:
You can download this ballot initiative guide or find it in The Reader and El Perico’s October print issue. See where to find a free copy of The Reader and El Perico here.
Got questions about voting? Contact the writer at bridget@el-perico.com.