Feb. 28: Testify on election bills

Here’s our chance to stand up for Nebraska’s election workers, Native voters, and direct democracy! The Nebraska Legislature’s Government, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee is hosting one more hearing on election law this session, and they need to hear from you.

This Wednesday, Feb. 28, the committee will hear testimony on three bills we support:

›› LB1390, introduced by State Sen. Eliot Bostar of Lincoln, would prohibit threats and harassment of election workers and officials, prohibit doxing of election officials, and prohibit the use of “deep fakes” of election officials to disseminate false information about an election;

›› LB1203, introduced by State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha, would require a disclosure when artificial intelligence is used in the creation of materially deceptive media against political candidates; and

›› LB1262, introduced by State Sen. Jen Day of Omaha, calls for a study of barriers to voting on Native lands in Nebraska and a report of policy recommendations to the Legislature to improve access.

They’ll also consider LB1382, introduced by State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair, that would prevent ballot initiative signature gatherers from being paid per signature and limit some ballot initiative donations to $20,000. These changes would make it harder for Nebraskans to employ direct democracy to pass popular policy changes on the ballot. We oppose this bill.

The deadline to submit your comments on these bills is 8 am on Feb. 28. You’re welcome to join us in person for the hearing Feb. 28 at 1:30 pm in Capitol Hearing Room 1507.

Together, let’s keep our election workers safe, fight against disinformation, ensure accessible elections for Native voters, and protect Nebraskans’ access to direct democracy.

Thanks for all that you do,

Heidi Uhing
Director of Public Policy