LINCOLN — The century-old method of choosing election commissioners for Nebraska’s most populous counties is “constitutionally suspect,” according to an opinion from Attorney General Doug Peterson.

The opinion was issued Tuesday in response to questions posed by State Sen. Matt Hansen of Lincoln. His questions followed up on an issue raised by Civic Nebraska, a Lincoln-based group working to promote civic involvement and protect voting rights.

In the opinion, Peterson concluded that election commissioners and chief deputy election commissioners are county officers and, therefore, under the Nebraska Constitution, must be elected to their positions.

The opinion raises concerns about a state law requiring the governor to appoint election officials for Douglas, Lancaster and Sarpy Counties, the Nebraska counties with more than 100,000 residents.

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