OFFICE OF NEBRASKA SECRETARY OF STATE

*Editor’s Note: With the primary election a little more than three weeks away, we continue our coverage with this vital information pertaining to the new voter ID law in Nebraska.

Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen reminds voters of a new law that will impact Nebraska voters during primary voting in May. On June 1, 2023, the Governor signed into law LB514, which establishes voter identification (ID) requirements for elections in Nebraska.

The first election requiring voter ID will be the May 14, 2024, statewide primary election. All special and statewide elections after this date will require voter ID. No special election prior to May 14, 2024, will require voter ID.

Nebraska voters will need to present a photo ID before they vote in the primary election. The ID must have your name and photo; the ID can be expired. Acceptable forms of photo ID are: Nebraska driver's license (from DMV) Nebraska state ID (from DMV) Nebraska college ID (public or private) Nebraska political subdivision ID (state, county, city, public school, etc.)

United States (U.S.) Passport Military ID Tribal ID Hospital, assisted-living facility or nursing home record The name on the photo ID does not need to exactly match the voter’s registration. Photo IDs can contain a nickname (e.g., “Joe” instead of “Joseph”), or a new last name (“Jane Smith” instead of “Jane Doe”). Voters can still change their name (due to marriage, divorce, legal name change, etc.) at their polling place on election day and vote a regular ballot.

The voter has the following options: If it’s a nickname or incorrect spelling, the voter can fill out an updated voter registration form at the polling place and cast a regular ballot.

If the ID is in a new name and the voter registration record is in the old name, the voter can proceed to fill out an updated voter registration form at the polling place and may cast a regular ballot.

If the ID is in an old name and the voter registration record is in a new name, the voter will vote provisionally and would need to present an acceptable form of photo ID with their new name on or before the Tuesday after the election.

If a voter requests an early voting ballot, they will need to write their driver’s license/ state ID number on the application or enclose a copy of an acceptable form of photo ID or reasonable impediment certification with their early voting ballot application. The voter will not provide the ID again when returning the ballot.