Legislature Approves Voter ID Law

New Law Does Not Apply to Upcoming Special Election in Jansen By Gordon HopkinsVoter ID requirement has been approved by the Nebraska Legislature. Now local election officials will have to implement the new law.In 2022, Nebraska voters approved Initiative 432, the Voter Identification Initiative, a state constitutional amendment to require a valid photographic identification (ID) in order to vote.The initiative stated, “Before casting a ballot in any election, a qualified voter shall present valid photographic identification in a manner specified by the Legislature to ensure the preservation of an individual’s rights under this Constitution and the Constitution of the United States.”However, the amendment left the specifics of regulating photographic identification up to the Nebraska State Legislature and does not specify how it would be implemented. To that end, Senator Tom Brewer introduced LB (Legislative Bill) 514 to codify the requirements for a valid form of photographic identification. After considerable debate, the bill passed with a vote of 38 to one.Acceptable IDAcceptable identification includes a document issued by the state of Nebraska, an agency or a political subdivision of the state, the U.S. military, a Nebraska post-secondary educational institution or a recognized Native American tribe or band. A hospital, assisted-living facility, nursing home or other skilled care facility record that includes a photo or digital image also qualifies.The secretary of state’s office is required to provide a website dedicated to voter ID requirements and procedures and implement a public awareness campaign. No fee will be charged to Nebraska residents for an original, renewal or duplicate state ID card for voting purposes.Jefferson CountyJefferson County Commissioners discussed the matter with Election Commissioner Kris Riggle at a meeting on Tuesday, May 23.After watching some of the debate on the bill, Commissioner Gale Pohlman said, “What I can’t figure out is why our agencies cannot work together. It was very complicated, and it’s going require a lot of education,” said Pohlman.“I am not sure of all the logistics on implementation of the new voter ID law at this point,” Riggle told FJN. “The Clerks/Election Commissioners should be receiving updates at future workshops.”There is a special election being held on July 11, 2023, in Jansen to elect four new village board members. Riggle said the new ID requirements should not apply to that upcoming election.Senate HearingOn March 28, Nebraska Secretary of State Robert Evnen discussed the voter ID measure at a U.S. Senate Hearing.“I have supported voter ID for many years. Our state legislature is now working on legislation to implement this new voter ID requirement,” said Evnen. “I am confident that effective legislation will be passed that will carry out Nebraska’s new voter ID constitutional requirement without disenfranchising a legitimate voter.”Evnen concluded by voicing his support for keeping local control over elections, “Under the U.S.Constitution, elections have been left to the sound discretion of state legislatures. Speaking from my perspective as the Secretary of State of Nebraska, the states ought to remain responsible for the conduct of elections. Issues affecting the conduct of elections can be, and ought to be, resolved by the state legislatures.”

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