Nebraskans showed their power this election. With the hard work of our Nebraska communities, we have reached the second highest voter turnout in Nebraska’s history! 2024 saw 76.38% (or 965,089) of registered Nebraska voters go out to vote for something in the November 5th General Election according to the unofficial final results from the Nebraska Secretary of State. This number exceeds Secretary of State Bob Evnen’s 2024 projection of a 72% voter turnout.
When polls opened on Election Day, 34.5% (or 332,455) of Nebraska voters had already casted their ballots. Over 72,000 Nebraskans voted early in-person at their election commission offices, an increase from previous years, with voters reporting long lines in the final days of early voting. With the long wait times, Nebraska Table staff made trips to supply snacks and water to voters waiting outside in line.
Through years of efforts, voting rights advocates passed LB 20, restoring voting rights to Nebraskans who had past felony convictions, removing the arbitrary two-year waiting period after completing a sentence and parole for felony convictions. Following an unexpected refusal by state officials to honor LB 20 that delayed justice, the Nebraska Supreme Court issued an opinion on October 16th with only nine days left for thousands of impacted Nebraskans to register to vote. Despite the limited amount of time, organizations in the Nebraska Voting Rights Restoration Coalition swiftly acted in helping Nebraskans with past felony convictions get their vote back.
We commend our election officials and poll workers for their hard work this election, especially with the implementation of Nebraska’s new voter ID law. Some challenges still arose, with most of the challenges centered on the ID address not matching with the voting address. Check out more information on navigating voter ID.
Thanks to community lead efforts, the following ballot measures passed to improve the lives of Nebraska families. Initiative 436 passed with an overwhelming 74% of the vote in favor of paid sick leave, allowing Nebraskans to prioritize the health of themselves and family without needing to sacrifice their pay. Initiatives 437 and 438 passed with 71% and 67% of the vote, respectively, allowing Nebraskans suffering from health conditions to have access to medical cannabis with regulations on the private medical cannabis industry. On Referendum Measure 435, LB 1402 was successfully repealed with 57% of the vote, ensuring that public tax dollars will remain with public schools, protecting families from the voucher scheme. Learn more about when these measures will take effect.
Building power in our communities takes all of us. Our Nebraska Table network made a huge impact this election, strengthening our collective organizing efforts to reach Nebraskans across the state. Power Building Organizing Manager Gabriela Pedroza says, “it was a collaborative effort throughout the state to raise awareness of the elections and educate eligible voters to make sure that everybody feels prepared.” The Nebraska Table and partners in the network knocked on 34,817 doors this year to meet community members where they are. “The collection of strategic actions boosted civic engagement and connection with our communities,” said Gabriela.
Thank you to voters like yourself for showing up and contributing to democracy for the betterment of our communities! We continue looking forward to seeing your voices be heard year round.