Civic engagement in elections could get a boost under a bill introduced Monday by a freshman lawmaker from Omaha. Legislative Bill 163, introduced by State Sen. Tony Vargas, would require the state’s three largest counties each to provide at least three early voting locations with extended hours. Vargas said the bill originated from talking to Nebraskans who said the distance and travel time to Douglas County’s only early voting location were barriers to casting their ballot.
… “My hope is that by expanding the number of early voting locations and extending the hours of operation, we will take another step towards improving the civic health of our communities and combating the historically low voter turnout in our most marginalized neighborhoods,” he said.
Early voting in Nebraska surged in the November presidential election. Election Commissioners currently have the ability to add satellite voting locations, though Douglas, Lancaster and Sarpy Counties haven’t done so.
Full Article: New bill roundup: LB 163 would require more early voting locations in Nebraska | Legislature | omaha.com.