DIFFICULT TO PREDICT TURNOUT AS RARE SPECIAL ELECTION TO PICK NEW HOUSE MEMBER APPROACHES

LINCOLN - It's been 71 years since we've done this. 

The June 28 special election to fill the remainder of former Rep. Jeff Fortenberry will mark the first time Nebraska voters have been called back to the polls since Robert Harrison of Norfolk was elected to the House of Representatives during a special election in 1951 following the death of Rep. Karl Stefan.

Now, Republican nominee Mike Flood and Democratic nominee Patty Pansing Brooks face off to fill the unexpired term of Fortenberry who resigned following his conviction on charges that he lied to federal officials. 

With voters being summoned just over a month since the May 10 primary election, it is difficult to predict turnout. 

"I don't know how to anticipate turnout," Election Commissioner David Shively said. "I anticipated more activity from the candidates and the parties" in spurring turnout next week, he said.

As of early Tuesday, June 21, 18,014 of the 33,792 early ballots mailed to Lancaster County voters had been returned, but Shively anticipated a steady flow later in the day.

"Early-person voting is up," he said. "Voting by mail is down," and it's difficult to predict total turnout in this unusual election held in the summer.

For the full article click HERE