Nebraskans hear about voter ID, minimum wage initiatives before election

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The last public hearings on Nebraska’s voter ID and minimum wage initiatives were held Tuesday at the State Capitol. 

Secretary of State Bob Evnen is required under state law to host public hearings in each of Nebraska’s congressional districts before the election. 

Tuesday’s first hearing was on Initiative 433. If approved by voters, it would raise the state’s minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2026. 

Those in favor of increasing the minimum wage said it would benefit the state’s economy, as people who make more money are able to invest more.  They also said it would help mitigate the state’s labor shortage.

“Gas prices, health care, the cost of living, everything has increased,” Andrew Farias said. “The only thing that hasn’t increased is our minimum wage.”

But opponents said it would affect small businesses the most. 

“The outcome would be small businesses unable to keep their doors open due to be undercut by large corporations,” said Katie Bohlmeyer, policy and research coordinator for the Lincoln Business Association.

The second public hearing was on Initiative 432. It would require photo identification in order to vote. 

Those in favor of the measure said it helps prevent fraud in the state’s elections.

Sen. Julie Slama said elections can be decided by small margins, so fraudulent votes can decide an election. 

“Thankfully, voter fraud is rare in our state, thanks to the outstanding work of our hardworking election officials and the secretary of state, but it does still happen in our country,” Slama said. 

Voting rights organizations said that if approved, the initiative would make Nebraska one of the most restrictive states on voter ID. 

“Even a valid, unexpired driver’s license could be suspect if any of your information has changed,” said Heidi Uhing, Civic Nebraska’s director of public policy.

The other two public hearings were held in North Platte and Omaha earlier this month. 

Voters will decide on these initiatives on Nov. 8.