Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024 is Election Day. OPL is here to help connect Douglas County patrons to voter registration, candidate information, and instructions on how to vote. Plus, learn how to navigate the first federal election with the new Nebraska voter ID law.
The first step in having your voice heard is registering to vote!
Voter Registration: Douglas County
To vote in the 2024 election, you must be 18 years old on or before Nov. 5. Make sure you meet all requirements to vote, opens a new window.
Prospective voters have many options for registering to vote or updating their voting information (required after a change in address, name, or registered political party).
Voters can register online, opens a new window through the State of Nebraska website on or before Friday, Oct. 18. Have a state ID ready. You will be notified when the registration is completed.
Eligible patrons can register at OPL branches on or before Oct. 18, if they bring a state photo ID.
Other locations that will register you to vote include the DMV (when getting a driver’s license), the Department of Health and Human Services, and the State Department of Education. Bring a state photo ID and proof of address.
Voter registration forms can be mailed to the Douglas County Commission Office by Oct. 18. These forms can be picked up at an OPL branch, opens a new window or printed off from the State of Nebraska website. You will be notified when the registration is completed.
- Mail to:
Douglas County Election Commission
12220 W Center Road
Omaha, NE 68144
The last chance to register to vote is in person by Oct. 25 at 6 p.m. at the Douglas County Election Commission office, near 120th St. and West Center Road (Google map, opens a new window).
How to Vote
You can vote in person at a polling location on Election Day (Nov. 5) or earlier with a mail-in ballot. You can also vote early in person at the Douglas County Election Commission Office at 12220 W Center Road.
All voters have an assigned polling location that can be found online. You must report to that polling location between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Nov. 5 to vote. Bring an accepted photo ID (see below).
Voting by Mail
To vote by mail, fill out an early voting ballot application. Forms in Spanish are also available. A photo ID is required when filling out the form. You must mail or email (early.voting@douglascounty-ne.gov) the form to the Douglas County Commission Office by Oct. 25.
After you have applied to vote through a mail-in ballot, you will have a ballot sent to your address. Fill out the ballot and mail it to the Douglas County Election Commission Office by Oct. 29 or drop it in an approved ballot drop box. The South Omaha Library, Charles B. Washington, Milton R. Abrahams, and Bess Johnson Elkhorn branches of Omaha Public Library are drop box locations.
Your ballot must be received by 8 p.m. on Nov. 5.
New Voter ID Law
Nebraska has a new voter ID law that went into effect in April of 2024. All voters must bring an approved photo ID with them to the polls.
The list of acceptable IDs include:
- Nebraska driver's license
- Nebraska state ID
- Local Nebraska government (public school, city, county) ID
- Military ID
- US passport
- Nebraska college ID
- Tribal ID
- Patient records from nursing homes, assisted living, or hospitals
Your ID does not have to show an address or expiration date. Expired IDs and IDs with an old address are still valid for voting purposes.
Voters can also receive a free, eligible state ID at the DMV. Instructions are also available in Spanish.
Resources for Informed Voting from OPL
Omaha Public Library offers many resources for researching the candidates and big issues this election!
Each branch offers non-partisan League of Women Voters voting guides, with candidate interviews and information about what is on the ballot. An online version of the guide can be found here or visit their interactive website at vote411.org. A Spanish guide is also available.
All OPL cardholders have access to the Omaha World-Herald and New York Times, both of which have timely information about the election. The Omaha World-Herald has been interviewing local candidates and covering the referendums and initiatives on the ballot.
Access newspapers, magazines, and journals on the OPL website.
About This Blog
This voter registration information blog is the result of a partnership with a dedicated Girl Scout working on her Girl Scouts Gold Award, opens a new window. Through her partnership with the library, she aims to provide voter information to help educate and engage the community in civic participation. We're excited to share her work with our community and support her goals of civic engagement.
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