Early Voting

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Criteria.

Nebraska is a “no-excuse” state, meaning any registered voter may request an early-voting (absentee) ballot, and is not required to provide a reason.

How to Apply.

You can apply for an early-voting ballot by contacting your county election office by mail or by fax. You can print an online early voting application, complete the form, and then mail, fax or scan/take a picture of your application and email it to your county election office. Please remember to write your driver’s license/state ID number on the application or attach a copy of an acceptable form of photo ID or reasonable impediment certification. The last day for an early-voting application to be received is 6 p.m. on the second Friday preceding the election.

Time Frame for Voting.

All county election offices will accept early-voting applications up to 120 days prior to a statewide primary, general election or special election. However, regular early-voting ballots are not sent out or voted until at least 35 days before a primary or general election and 15 days prior to all other elections. All early-voting ballots whether delivered in person or carrier to the county drop box or by mail must arrive by the close of polls on the day of the election.

Voting in Person.

You can vote early in-person at your county election office for a period prior to an election (30 days prior to a primary or general election and 15 days for all other elections). The day before the election is the last day to vote early in person.

Links

Early Voting Ballot Application

View the Nebraska Early-Voting Application.

The early-voting application should be sent to your county election office. View contact information for Nebraska county election offices.

Students residing out of Nebraska

 

If you are from out of state and not registered in Nebraska, visit the National Association of Secretaries of State to find the contact information for your state.

Who may apply for an Early Voting ballot?

Anyone may apply for an Early Voting ballot, such as:

  • Persons not able to go to the polls due to their work or vacation schedule, or
  • Persons not able to go to the polls due to a medical condition or hospitalization, or
  • Persons temporarily out of the county, state or country
  • Persons not wishing to travel to the polls
  • Persons not wishing to leave their homes

Do I need to give the reason why I am voting early when applying for Early Voting ballots?

No, since 1999 Nebraska law has not required a person to disclose a reason for their request on the Early Voting application.

How do I apply for and vote an Early Voting ballot?

You can apply for an early voting ballot by contacting your County Clerk or Election Commissioner by mail, by fax, or by a scan/picture of your signed application and email it to your county election official. Please remember to write your driver’s license/state ID number on the application or attach a copy of an acceptable form of photo ID or reasonable impediment certification.

How do I apply by mail?

Print the online early voting application request form. Complete the form; then mail or fax it to your County Clerk or Election Commissioner. You can also scan or take a picture of your signed application and email it to your county election official. Please remember to write your driver’s license/state ID number on the application or attach a copy of an acceptable form of photo ID or reasonable impediment certification.

OR

Write to your County Clerk or Election Commissioner, including:

  • Your name and residence address,
  • Nebraska Driver's License or Nebraska State ID Number
    • If you do not have a Nebraska Driver's License or State ID, you may enclose with your letter a photocopy of other acceptable photo identification or a reasonable impediment certification. For more information, please visit our Voter ID page.
  • Your voting precinct, if known,
  • Your phone number,
  • The mailing address you want the ballots sent to, and
  • Your signature.

Is there a process to assist military and overseas citizens in obtaining Early Voting ballots?

Yes, Nebraska participates in the Federal Voting Assistance Program for our military personnel and overseas citizens.

Go to Military Voters for more information about military ballots.

Go to Overseas Voters for more information about overseas ballots.

When may I apply for an Early Voting ballot?

All county election offices will accept Early Voting applications up to 120 days prior to a statewide Primary or General election.

The last day to request an Early Voting ballot to be mailed is close of business on the second Friday preceding the election.

35 days before the Election is also the first day ballots are sent to non-military stateside applicants.

30 days before Election Day is the first day Early Voting ballots are available to vote at the county office. Contact your County Clerk or Election Commissioner for information on their office hours.

Should your ballots not arrive, contact your County Clerk or Election Commissioner to confirm the date and address the ballots were mailed out. You can also use Votercheck to see when your ballot was sent out.

Make arrangements with the county election official to receive a replacement ballot if it is determined your ballots were lost, destroyed, spoiled or never received.

The Monday before Election Day is the last day to cast an early voting ballot at the County Election Office.

What are the procedures when casting an Early Voting Ballot by mail?

Ballots received via the postal service will be accompanied by instructions on how to cast a vote and a return envelope.

If assistance is needed marking the ballot a friend or voter-designated person may provide assistance.

The voted ballot must be placed in the return envelope. The envelope must be sealed and signed (or their mark made) by the voter and if assistance was provided by the person providing assistance.

The return envelope containing the ballots may be mailed back to the County Election Office, returned by personal delivery, an agent, or courier service to the county office or drop box.

When must the Early Voting ballot be returned to the Election Office?

All Early Voting ballots, whether personally delivered, delivered by agent, delivered by mail or other carriers must arrive at the county election official's office by the closing of the polls on Election Day (8:00 pm Central Time /  7:00 pm Mountain Time).

Where can I find my county's secure ballot drop box?

Nebraska Drop Box Locator

How do I track my ballot or know that my ballot was accepted?

Check the Voter Information Center to track the status of your ballot including when your ballot was sent, returned and its status.