Lancaster County Election Commissioner Todd Wiltgen expects about 52 percent of registered voters will cast ballots in Tuesday’s election. Wiltgen says preparations are on schedule, with 199 poll inspectors picking up voting equipment and supplies ahead of Election Day.
Each polling location will have an inspector, two clerks and two judges, with additional staff and double voting boards at some of the busier locations. Wiltgen tells KLIN News he expects more people to vote in person Tuesday than have already voted early.
“Of those 52 percent who vote in this election, about 55 percent of that will vote on Election Day, and the 45 percent will be the early voters.” Wiltgen says turnout is typically in the 50-percent range for midterm elections, compared to approximately 75 percent during the 2024 presidential election.
He also has several reminders for voters, particularly those casting ballots in Lincoln. The city’s six charter amendment questions have made the ballot longer, requiring Lincoln voters to use two pages. Wiltgen says voters need to pay close attention to make sure they complete all three ballot sections: both sides of the first page and the front of the second page.
He also reminds voters to completely fill in the ovals on their ballots rather than using check marks or X’s. Anyone who makes a mistake should request a replacement ballot rather than trying to correct or cross out an answer.
Voters should also verify their polling location before heading out, particularly if they have moved. They can find their polling place and view a sample ballot through the Nebraska Secretary of State’s voter information website.
Voters must bring an acceptable photo ID. Nebraska driver’s licenses and state identification cards are accepted, even if expired or showing an old address. Other acceptable forms include U.S. passports, certain government-issued photo IDs and student IDs from Nebraska colleges and universities or public high schools. Out-of-state IDs are not accepted.
For those who still have an early voting ballot at home, Wiltgen says it is too late to mail it. Ballots must be returned to an official drop box by 8 p.m. Tuesday. Drop boxes are located at the Anderson, Eiseley, Gere and Walt libraries, as well as outside the Lancaster County Election Commission office.
Early voting ballots cannot be returned to polling locations, which will be open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. Tuesday. Anyone standing in line at 8 p.m. will still be allowed to vote.
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