Grassroots organization launches two petitions to change elections in Nebraska

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A topic that’s been on the forefront for Nebraska voters for some time is now making a comeback.

At a press conference on Tuesday, Advocates for All Nebraskans officially launched its signature-gathering campaign for two constitutional amendment campaigns:

• Winner-Take-All for Presidential Electors
• Hand Count Ballots for all elections

The Winner-Take-All amendment would mean whoever gets the most votes statewide in Nebraska would get all of Nebraska’s electoral votes.

“The winner-take-all initiative is about common sense, unity and fairness,” said Tom Nesbitt, an organizer of the petitions. “It’s about ensuring when Nebraska speaks, they hear one voice, our voice.”

SEE ALSO: Electoral College winner-take-all bill dies in Nebraska Legislature

The Hand Count Ballots amendment would require ballots to be counted by people rather than relying on machines.

AFAN said their effort serves as a grand vision for Nebraska’s political future.

Organizers with AFAN hope to gather the 125,000 signatures over the coming months to push both amendments onto next year’s ballot.

“These petitions aren’t just about winning an election,” said Doug Fitzgerald – an AFAN organizer. “It’s about empowering the people that hold the system accountable.”

The group said this is a people-powered, bipartisan effort aimed at changing Nebraska’s rules from the ground up, and it sends a message to candidates.

“If you want Nebraska votes, come talk to all Nebraskans,” Fitzgerald said.

In a statement sent to Channel 8, the Nebraska Democratic Party said the idea is controversial.

“Republicans know they do not have the votes to change our fair electoral vote system, so they are trying anything to rig the outcome. Nebraskans made it clear last year they support our fair electoral system.”

Civic Nebraska also sent a statement saying: “It would be a waste of taxpayer money, invite chaos, corruption, and human error, and undermine trust in the very elections it claims to protect.”