Amid federal push for election changes, Nebraska primary stays unchanged

Despite a flurry of federal proposals to reshape U.S. voting procedures, Nebraska voters will see no significant changes when they head to polls May 12 for the primary election, state and local officials said this week.

The reassurance comes as Congress remains deadlocked over the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, which would require voters to provide documentary proof of citizenship when registering for federal elections. President Donald Trump has called the measure his "No. 1" priority. The House passed it earlier this year with support from all three of Nebraska's Republican representatives, but the bill has failed to overcome a Senate filibuster.

Meanwhile, an executive order Trump signed March 31 to restrict mail-in voting by creating federal lists of eligible voters is being challenged in court by 23 states and multiple voting rights groups. According to reporting from Flatwater Free Press, Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen said the order would not affect the primary, though his office is monitoring potential impacts on the November general election.

"As of today, there have not been any changes to election rules in Nebraska since the 2024 election," said Rani Taborek-Potter, a spokeswoman for the Secretary of State's Office. "Nothing has changed since voter ID went into effect in Nebraska," echoed Douglas County Election Commissioner Danielle Jensen.

Nebraska implemented its voter ID requirement, known as LB514, for the first time during the May 2024 primary. The law requires all registered voters to present an acceptable form of photo identification when casting a ballot, whether in person or by mail. The state offers free voter ID cards through the Department of Motor Vehicles.

For the May 12 primary, voters must register by April 27 if using online registration or registering outside their county election office. The deadline to register in person at the county election office is May 1. Early voting is already underway.

Common Cause Nebraska's executive director, Gavin Geis, recommends that all registered voters double-check their registration status before the primary. "It's always wise at this time of year to go on the voter registration check page on the Secretary of State's website, take a moment and make sure their information is up to date," Geis said.