Lincoln officials urge citizens to register this National Voter Registration Day
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Today is National Voter Registration Day, a coordinated effort by local, state and national organizations to get people ready for November elections.
To help make sure everyone can weigh in this November, Lancaster County held a voter registration drive at several locations Tuesday.
Lancaster County Commissioner Roma Amundson said 25% of Americans don’t know they’re eligible to vote, so it’s important to have a national day to remind everyone.
“I think that registration is extremely important because this is how the citizens utilize their voice,” she said. “It’s a responsibility, as well as a privilege, to be informed about the events and about the candidates. That is really where the strength of our democracy lies.”
David Shively, the Lancaster County election commissioner, said the goal is to get people to be a part of the process, despite it not being a presidential election year.
“You have a say in how your government is run,” he said. “You have a say in the leadership, the leaders that make those decisions for you, so it’s always important to be registered to vote so you can help out in making those decisions.”
This year’s ballot will include a gubernatorial election as well as several constitutional amendments brought on by petitions, so Shively said there may be a higher turnout than in previous years.
One of those constitutional amendments is the Voter ID initiative, which has sparked a debate over whether extra precautions are worth it.
It would require voters to show a valid photo ID to vote. Supporters say people need to know our elections are secure.
Those against the initiative say it would reduce voting in communities of color and impoverished areas, as an ID costs money that many don’t have to spare.
Opponents also say there isn’t an election security problem that needs to be fixed in Nebraska.
Anyone who did not register today at one of the locations can also register to vote online.
