Nearly 70 advocates for fair and accessible elections came to the UNO Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center to learn about election policy, how a bill becomes a law, and how they can make their voice heard in the legislative process
The Policy Briefing included back and forth conversations between Voting Rights Director, Bri McLarty Huppert, and advocates. Â Topics discussed included opposing LR1CA, a constitutional amendment requiring voter ID in Nebraska, and LR6, a call for a constitutional convention in Nebraska. Â
Also discussed was Civic Nebraska-supported legislation:
- LB75, a bill eliminating the two year waiting period for returning citizens to vote;
- LB 76, a bill giving counties the tools to notify returning citizens of their eligibility to vote;
- LB 112, a bill allowing registered voters to fill out a provisional ballot if they recently moved within Nebraska;
- LB 290, Automatic Voter Registration, an opt-out voter registration system opposed to our current opt-in system;
- LB 197, Online Vote by Mail, building off the success of online voter registration this would be an online application to vote by mail.
After the policy briefing and an overview of the legislature, Policy Organizer, Packy Colgan gave a presentation on how to be an advocate and the best times and techniques to contact an elected official.
The event closed with breakouts led by former and current legislative staff and other members of the Civic Nebraska team on how to best reach your senator, amplify your voice and write letters to the editor.
Missed the event? Check out our Voting Rights Advocate page for our Advocate Toolkit, Talking Points, and Calls to Action!
Keep your ears open for another event like this happening in the Lincoln area.
