It’s no secret that voter turnout fluctuates between election cycles, but the biggest drop off occurs between a presidential election and the following spring when Lincoln and Omaha have their city elections.
In 2012, over 130,000 ballots were cast in Lancaster County, but barely 37,000 managed to vote for at-large city council races. From city sales tax to economic development, decisions are made at city hall that impact everything from our morning commute to our bank account. Shouldn’t more people know about these elections?
Civic Nebraska is working to increase civic participation in the 2017 city elections by talking to first time voters in 2016 and low propensity voters. We’re making phone calls and going door to door to let people know about election deadlines, what is on the ballot, and helping voters make plans to get to the polls.
But we need your help to do it.
Consider spending an hour or two of your week improving civic participation in your community. We’re hosting phone-banks and canvasses leading up to Election Day on May 9th.
Sign up for a phone-bank shift
Sign up for a door-to-door shift
Interested in volunteering but have questions? Contact Community Organizer Kinzie Mabon at kinzie.mabon@civicnebraska.org or (402) 904-5191
And don’t forget to vote in the Primary Election April 4th (Lincoln & Omaha) and in the General Election May 2nd (Lincoln) and May 9th (Omaha)!
