Bring photo ID and prepare for the busy polls on Election Day

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – With Election Day on Tuesday, officials tasked with making sure everything runs smoothly in Nebraska are sending out last-minute reminders to voters.

The most important item Nebraska voters should bring to their polling place: a photo ID. This is a new rule in the state this election cycle that comes with the recent voter ID law.

“The Legislature passed the voter ID law last year and the governor signed it,” said Lancaster County Election Commissioner Todd Wiltgen. “Voters need to remember they need to bring a photo ID.”

This means any ID with a photo and name, for example a driver's license, a passport or a student ID. Expiration dates don't matter for identification, but not bringing them would require paperwork that would delay voting.

Polls are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., but officials recommend arriving to vote as early as possible. On average, wait times can range from 30 minutes to an hour or longer.

“I predicted a turnout of about 70%, which is a good number of voters,” Wiltgen said. “So our peak business hours will probably be morning, midday and late afternoon.”

Any voter in line at 8 p.m. will be allowed to vote, but anyone who arrives at 8:01 p.m. will be turned away.

This time frame also includes the submission of postal ballots. These can only be delivered via the mailboxes in the city, which are emptied and locked promptly at 8 p.m

Voters are also not permitted to wear shirts, hats, buttons or merchandise that in any way represent any candidate or issue on the ballot.

“Don’t wear your campaign T-shirts,” said Bob Evnen, Nebraska’s secretary of state. “Don’t wear campaign hats. You vote with your friends and neighbors. Just enjoy each other’s company and enjoy the great privilege and joy we have in this country of being able to vote.”

For those unable to drive to their polling place, StarTran is waiving all bus fees in Lincoln tomorrow. BikeLNK will do the same with its bikes.

Every voter must cast their vote at the polling station assigned to them. To find your polling place, visit the Secretary of State's website.

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