OMAHA, Neb — Voters in Douglas County will begin being notified this week if their regular polling location will change locations for the May 12 election, while the Election Commissioner encourages voters to make use of the vote-by-mail program.
Election Commissioner Brian W. Kruse announced Wednesday that voters would be notified by yellow postcards if their polling place changed for the May 12, 2020 Statewide Presidential Primary Election. Those cards will be sent out to approximately 60,000 voters beginning this week will begin to be notified this week.
“A few changes are simply due to changing precinct numbers or building names,” Kruse remarked. “Other changes are caused by growth or changes in building ownership or scheduling conflicts.”
Approximately half of the changes are directly related to COVID-19 according to the commissioner's office. Some polling places were moved away from retirement communities and public housing sites.
Approximately 32 percent of polling places throughout Douglas County will be affected once all changes are made.
“My staff continue to work hard to finalize the status of all polling places," Kruse said. "We would like to thank all of the facility staff for their commitment and the school administrators for going above and beyond by offering additional school buildings to serve voters during this extraordinary time."
Voters wishing to verify their polling place may visit the Douglas County Election Commission website at www.votedouglascounty.com [votedouglascounty.com] and enter their address information in the “Find Your Voting Information” box on the left side of the home page. Voters should wait until one week prior to Election Day to verify their polling place to ensure all changes have been made. Voters may also call (402) 444-VOTE (8683) to confirm their polling place.
Rather than voting at their polling place on election day, voters are strongly encouraged to vote early by mail. The deadline to request a ballot by mail is Friday, May 1, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. Following the executive order signed by the Nebraska Governor and Secretary of State, in-person early voting at the Election Commission is limited to voters who need assistance in marking their ballots. More information about early voting is available on the Douglas County Election Commission website at www.votedouglascounty.com [votedouglascounty.com] or by calling (402) 444-VOTE (8683).