Calling all Election Protectors – you’re up

Civic Nebraska is seeking volunteers to serve as Election Protectors – nonpartisan election observers – to monitor the Nov. 8 general election in Nebraska.

Election Protectors act in a passive role, monitoring elections and the polling places and reporting their observations back to Civic Nebraska, particularly instances of concern.

As part of their observations, Election Protectors gather information and chronicle data regarding how elections are run from county to county in our state. They also record any irregularities or different treatment of voters. Volunteers will also confirm that polling places are compliant with the Americans With Disabilities Act.

Training for election observation will be in person at the following dates, times, and locations:

›› Omaha:
5 p.m. Oct. 17, ​Thompson Alumni​ Center​ at UNO​, 6​705​ Dodge St.

›› Grand Island:
5:30 p.m. Oct. 24, Civic Nebraska Greater Nebraska HQ, 203 N. Locust St.

›› Kearney:
5:30 p.m. Oct. 25, Kearney Public Library, 2020 First Ave.

›› Lincoln:
5:30 p.m. Oct. 27, The Foundry, 211 N. 14th St.

For volunteers outside of these four cities, virtual training will be held at 11 am CDT on Oct. 15 and Oct. 19, respectively.

Election Protectors must be at least 18 and live in Nebraska and must attend one virtual or in-person training session before Election Day. To volunteer, visit https://bit.ly/CivNebEPP22.

Civic Nebraska has deployed hundreds of nonpartisan observers to Nebraska polling places in every primary and general election since 2012.

Civic Nebraska uses the information that is gathered to build a post-election report, which is shared with county election officials, state election officials, and the public to identify areas of success and improvement. This report also informs future legislative initiatives that can improve Nebraska voters’ experiences.