Last year, the decision to close 166 polling places in Douglas County impacted the ability to vote for thousands of Nebraskans. At the time, Nebraska Appleseed joined with several groups to call on the Douglas County Election Commissioner to restore the closed polling places and take steps to ensure voters are not disenfranchised in future elections.
Thursday, Appleseed testified in support of LB 235 – a bill introduced by Senator Sara Howard designed to ensure transparency and accountability in the administration of Nebraska’s elections.
The bill would establish community advisory committees to work with the election commissioners in Nebraska’s three largest counties – Douglas, Sarpy, and Lancaster County – to give those communities a voice when it comes to decisions that impact voters.
The bill also would reduce the size of voting precincts from 1,750 voters who voted in the previous general election to 1,000 voters. This means more polling places that are conveniently located to better ensure everyone has a chance to vote.
Our right to vote is the foundation of our democracy – and a right that must always be protected for all Nebraskans.