2020 Election: Register to Vote, Get Information, and Make Voting Plan

Election Day is on Tuesday, Nov. 3, and Omaha Public Library is ready to help eligible Nebraska residents register to vote and get information about the upcoming election.

How OPL can help:

• Register to vote: Eligible Nebraska residents, opens a new window can pick up voter registration forms at any open OPL locations, in person or through the curbside pick-up service, opens a new window through Friday, Oct. 16. Important note: To vote in the Nov. 3 general election, Nebraskans must register to vote by Oct. 23. Any registrations between Oct. 17-23 must be done in person at the Douglas County Election Commission, opens a new window.
• Learn about the candidates: The League of Women Voters of Greater Omaha's nonpartisan 2020 Douglas County Voters' Guide, opens a new window has great information about all candidates running for local and national office.
• Preview your ballot: View a personalized sample ballot by entering your home address at vote411.org/ballot, opens a new window.
• Return your ballot: Four Omaha Public Library locations — Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch, opens a new window, Charles B. Washington Branch, opens a new window, Milton R. Abrahams Branch, opens a new window and South Omaha Library, opens a new window — have Early Voting Drop Boxes, opens a new window available.

How to Vote

The Douglas County Election Commission has a Voter Instructions, opens a new window document that provides a step-by-step guide for new voters.

Register to Vote

• Douglas County residents with a valid NE driver's license can register to vote online, opens a new window, by downloading a voter registration form, opens a new window (aplicación para registrarse como votante en Nebraska, opens a new window), by visiting a local library, opens a new window, when renewing a driver's license, or by going to the Douglas County Election Commission (DCEC).
• Residents may mail or deliver completed voter registration forms to:

Douglas County Election Commission
12220 W Center Road
Omaha, NE 68144

• The form cannot be emailed or faxed. You will receive a postcard in the mail letting you know your application was processed and which political districts you will vote in.
• Nebraska voters should update their voter registration every time they move, change their name, or want to change their party affiliation. Not sure which party you're registered with? Check online using Nebraska VoterCheck, opens a new window, which will also tell you which legislative districts you live in based on your address.

Make a Plan to Vote

Early Voting, opens a new window

Any Douglas County voter registered before the voter registration deadline, opens a new window (Oct. 16 by mail, at agencies, at DMV office, by deputy registrar; Oct. 23 in-person at DCEC) can complete a By-Mail Early Voting Ballot Application, opens a new window to request that an Early Voting ballot be mailed directly to them prior to each election, or they can visit the Election Commission and vote early in person beginning Oct. 5. Voters can also have someone pick up a ballot for them prior to the election — learn more about requesting a ballot by agent, opens a new window.

By-Mail Early Voting Ballot Application, opens a new window can be returned four ways:

1. Return to a postage-free DCEC drop box, opens a new window
2. Deliver or mail to DCEC (12220 W Center Road, Omaha, NE, 68144)
3. Faxed to 402-444-4181
4. High resolution scans or photos of completed applications can be emailed to earlyvoting@votedouglascounty.com 

Registered voters can also cast their ballot early, in-person at the DCEC beginning Monday, Oct. 5. Voters can take their ballot home as long as it is returned to the Election Commission or a drop box location before 8:00 p.m. on Nov. 3.

In-Person Voting on Election Day, Nov. 3

Any registered voter who has not requested a by-mail early ballot* may cast their ballot at their assigned polling place on Nov. 3, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. You must vote at the correct polling place (confirm your polling place here, opens a new window), because each precinct receives a different ballot. Once you arrive at your polling location, you must sign in at the designated table by providing your name and address. Poll workers will ensure you receive the correct ballot, which you will vote following the instructions on the ballot. If you make a mistake and need a new ballot, write "VOID" across your ballot, fold it in half, and return it to the poll workers. They will give you a new ballot.

Voting in the middle of a global pandemic may require more planning than previous elections. Social distancing could cause longer lines and possibly wait times at polling locations. Some good questions to ask ahead of Nov. 3 are: Who are you going with? How will you get to your polling location? Can you go when you will have time to stay in an unexpectedly long line? How will you stay safe with regard to COVID-19?

Plan to wear a mask and practice social distancing when voting to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. Dress comfortably and wear layers or pack a jacket, in case lines stretch outside of your polling location. You might bring a chair in your car or pack snacks and water in case you encounter a long line and have to wait to cast your ballot.

*Failure to vote your early voting ballot would require you to cast a provisional ballot at your polling location.