Article Image Alt Text

Knox County is set for election with all-mail balloting here

CENTER — Knox County Clerk Joann Fischer’s decision to make Knox County a vote-by-mail county couldn’t have come at a better time.

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, there has been a push to make the entire state a vote-by-mail state.

Nebraska law requires in-person voting in counties with more than 10,000 people. There had been a move in the Legislature to change the law, but the Legislature has suspended its session because of the coronavirus threat.

Instead, Nebraska voters in counties where vote-by-mail is not mandatory are being encouraged to apply for a  mail-in ballot. 

It’s part of a push to encourage voters in Nebraska to vote without going to the polls as the coronavirus threat looms. 

Five states — Ohio, Maryland, Kentucky, Georgia and Louisiana — have delayed their primaries so far.

Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen said there are no plans to delay the election.

“I do not think that will happen … Our primary is set for May 12 and our plan is to conduct it on that date, which is mandated by statute.”

Nonpartisan voters in Knox County have a choice by statute to vote for the senatorial and congressional races. This year the Nebraska Democratic and Libertarian parties opened their primaries meaning that Nonpartisan voters can vote on those party presidential candidates.

The Nebraska Republican party did not open their primary only the senatorial and congressional races are an option. 

Therefore, a Nonpartisan voter can request a Nonpartisan Republican Ballot (congressional and senatorial races); a Nonpartisan Democratic Ballot (presidential, congressional and senatorial races); or a Nonpartisan Libertarian Ballot (presidential, congressional and senatorial races).

Northeast Nebraska News Company

102 W. Main
Hartington NE 68739
402-254-3997