(Omaha, NE) -- Deadlines are approaching for registering to vote and requesting early, mail-in ballots for Omaha voters ahead of April's primary.
The Douglas County Election Commission says Friday, March 26, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. is the deadline to register to vote as well as the deadline to request an early voting ballot to be mailed for the 2021 City of Omaha Primary Election.
“New City of Omaha residents or those who have moved must register to vote in person at the Douglas County Election Commission office this week if they wish to vote in the April 6, 2021 Primary Election,” stated Brian W. Kruse, Election Commissioner.
In-person voter registration at the Election Commission office is the only option for voters to register for the first time, re-register at a new address, change political party affiliation, or make any other changes to their registrations for the April 6, 2021 Primary Election. Voters visiting the Election Commission should be aware that the office moved to 12220 W Center Road in Omaha and is located at the northwest corner of 120th and Center Streets in Bel Air Plaza, just northwest of Nobbies Parties.
All registered voters who reside within the City of Omaha boundaries are eligible to vote in the Primary Election on Tuesday, April 6, 2021. Voters may confirm their information, such as political districts and polling place, as well as view their sample ballot, by visiting the election commission's website at www.votedouglascounty.com and entering their house number and zip code in the “Find Your Voting Information” area. Voters may also call the Election Commission at (402) 444-VOTE (8683) during business hours.
Friday, March 26, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. is also the deadline to request an early voting ballot to be mailed. An application for an early voting ballot may be printed from the Election Commission website, www.votedouglascounty.com, or a voter may send a written request for an early voting ballot, including the election, their name, date of birth, phone number and/or email address, registered address, address where the ballot should be mailed, and their signature. Requests may be delivered to an official ballot drop box, mailed or delivered to 12220 W Center Road, Omaha, NE 68144, faxed to (402) 444-4181, or a clear picture or scan of the completed form may be emailed to earlyvoting@votedouglascounty.com.
Early voting ballots may not be requested by telephone.
Voters may vote in person at the Election Commission through Monday, April 5, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. or may have an agent pick up their ballot at the Election Commission until Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. As a convenience to voters, the Election Commission is offering additional office hours on Saturday, April 3rd from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
All early voting ballots must be received by the Douglas County Election Commission, either at its office or at one of the drop box locations, by 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 6, 2021.
The ballot drop box locations:
- City/County Building: 1819 Farnam Street
- South Omaha Library: 2808 Q Street
- Charles B. Washington Library: 2868 Ames Avenue
- Clarkson College Parking Lot 8: 42nd and Farnam Street
- Goodwill: 4805 N 72nd Street
- Ralston Police Department: 7400 Main Street, Ralston
- Asian Market: 321 N 76th Street
- Milton R. Abrahams Library: 5111 N 90th Street
- Douglas County Election Commission: 12220 W Center Road
- Douglas County Engineer’s Office: 15505 W Maple Road
- Millard Public Schools Foundation: 5225 S 159th Avenue
- Spring Ridge Shopping Center: 178th and Pacific Street
- Bess Johnson Elkhorn Library: 2100 Reading Plaza, Elkhorn
Voters who have returned their early voting ballot may check its status (accepted or rejected) by visiting www.votedouglascounty.com. On the home page under Shortcuts, select “Vote Early By Mail” and then “Early Voting Ballot Status Check.” This will redirect you to the Nebraska Secretary of State’s voter check page. Voters must provide first name, last name, and county to match the voter registration, and click “Look Up.” If the ballot was rejected, the voter should call the Election Commission at (402) 444-VOTE (8683) to learn if the issue may be resolved.