‘It shows a real patriotism’: Long lines for early voting in Lincoln

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Voters formed a line out the door of the Lancaster County election commissioner’s office on Tuesday.

There are two weeks until Election Day, but Election Commissioner Todd Wiltgen said there has already been good turnout.

“It’s a good problem to have,” he said. “You see all these people wanting to exercise their voice in our government.”

The line of people wanting to vote in person wrapped around the side of the building for hours.

Dain Vasina, a Nebraska voter, said he was surprised by how many people were voting early.

“I think it shows a real patriotism and civic responsibility about people that is encouraging,” he said.

Another voter said he’s working on Election Day, but he still wants his vote to count.

“Well, I think whatever your opinions or positions are, if you want them to be even partially reflected in the outcome of the election, this is the way to do it,” Pierce Ekstrom said.

Wiltgen said the rush of early voters is becoming more common.

“The number is lower than it was in 2020 for early voting just because the turnout for early voting in 2020 was astronomical,” he said. “I don’t think we’re going to reach that level.”

He said voters should come to the polls prepared because this year’s ballot has a lot on it.

“It is more complicated this year because we do have six statewide questions,” Wiltgen said. “You have two constitutional amendments, a referendum and three initiatives at the end of your ballot. So I would encourage people to do their research before they come to the office.”

But if you need to, you can bring notes into the booth and use your phone to do research.

Ekstrom said that’s the strategy he uses.

“I can take a little bit of time, look up everything that I need to look up and have the little notes in my phone that’s handy to have,” he said.

Friday is the final day to request a mail-in ballot, but you can vote early in person at your county election office through Nov. 4.