Senator advances bill to let any Nebraska county seek all‑mail elections

Senator John Kavanaugh introduced LB237, a bill that would let an election commissioner or county clerk apply to the Secretary of State to mail ballots to every registered voter in any or all precincts within their county by removing the current population cap that limits that option to jurisdictions under 10,000 residents.

Committee members heard that proponents view the change as an option for local officials rather than a statewide mandate. Senator Kavanaugh told the committee, “LB237 would remove that population threshold, giving every county the opportunity to apply.” Proponents say counties that already use all‑mail elections report savings, fewer administrative challenges recruiting poll workers, and improved access for elderly voters and those with disabilities.

Beth Bazyn Ferrell, representing the Nebraska Association of County Officials, said NACO has long supported giving counties the tool to choose all‑mail elections for specific precincts or counties and that larger counties likely would not adopt it except where local conditions make it useful. Ferrell described rural examples where polling places became inaccessible as facilities closed, and said all‑mail options allowed voters in sparsely populated areas to remain engaged without long drives to polling places.

Committee members asked how the change would be implemented and whether voters would have any direct vote on the change. Senator Kavanaugh and Ferrell explained that a county clerk or election commissioner would apply to the Secretary of State for approval and the Secretary of State would decide whether to grant the request; the bill would not require a public referendum. Committee members also asked about voter ID and fiscal impacts; Kavanaugh said the existing voter‑ID rules and operational safeguards are applied in counties already using all‑mail systems and that the Secretary of State retains authority to approve transitions. The committee asked staff to follow up on a fiscal note referenced during the hearing.

The hearing included proponent testimony from the Nebraska Association of County Officials and written ADA testimony from Tanya and Kalada Cruz; the committee record included multiple written proponents and opponents. No formal committee vote on the bill was recorded during the hearing.

The proposal would leave in place in‑person options required by current law for counties that receive approval — including the ability to return ballots in person, at least one secured drop box, and in‑person early voting at the election commissioner or county clerk's office.

The committee has yet to act on LB237; the record from the hearing will be used for further committee deliberations.