LINCOLN- Three legislative proposals, Sen. Slama's LB 535 and Sen. Erdman's LB's 228 and 230, seek to require voters to show a valid ID prior to voting and, for those voting by mail, to have a notary sign the ballot before dropping it off. However, according to maps released by the Secretary of State's Office, authorized notaries are few and far between in rural Nebraska, creating potential difficulties for those living in that region of the state.

Some expect these proposals, if they pass, to severely limit who gets to vote by mail in rural and suburban areas of the state, including the largely rural counties of Harlan, Wayne, Thayer, Hamilton, Gage, Adams, Fillmore, and Cass, who's citizens have historically voted by mail in large numbers. For those in these areas that do vote in person, voting often requires traveling large distances.

Sen. Slama stated that she had gotten inspiration for her notary-requirement bill from neighboring states like Missouri and South Dakota, which have implemented similar proposals. If Sen. Slama's bill passes, and no new notaries are authorized prior to the next election, certain rural notaries will be expected to sign off on over 100 mail-in ballots, should the citizens in those areas choose to vote by mail.

For the full article click HERE