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Sarpy County changes some polling places

Posted at 6:42 PM, May 14, 2018
and last updated 2018-05-14 22:01:20-04

The Nebraska primary election is Tuesday and Sarpy County has made some big changes when it comes to their voting sites.

County officials have moved all the polling places out of schools and into churches as well as community centers.

Those changes were put in place for security reasons to keep students safe while in school, but also make it easier for voters to get in and out.

Poll workers are preparing for Tuesday's primary election rush.

"22 percent is what we are predicting for voter turn out," said Michelle Andahl.

"We are expecting about a 20 percent turnout here in Douglas County," said Brian Kruse.

In Sarpy County, polling places for at least 30 thousand registered voters have changed in an effort to make schools safer.

"On any given day, any parent has to show up and ring a bell even to get into their own child's school,  and on Election Day many of those protocols are put aside." said Andahl.

13 polling places have moved from schools to churches and community centers.

"When we first registered to vote we were assigned to one place, then we recently got postcards in the mail saying our polling place changed."

Two precincts will vote at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Gretna.

"We are fortunate to have the Ministry Activity Center here that will facilitate a large number, so we are happy to do that," said Gary Werling.

While some voters are still deciding on whether or not they'll cast a ballot.

"I guess it's still up in air."

Sarpy County Election Commissioner Michell Andahl says the changes also make it easier for voters to avoid school traffic.

"Even just convenience of parking,"