Most 17-Year-Olds Now Eligible to Register to Vote

Grand Island, Nebr.- Nebraska 17-year-olds who will turn 18 by November 3 of this year are now eligible to register to vote.

“This is a great opportunity for many Nebraska teens to participate in their very first election, the May 12 primary election,” said Hall County Election Commissioner Tracy Overstreet. “A 17-year-old may vote in the primary election – even if they won’t turn 18 until the summer or fall.”

There are two statewide elections in Nebraska this year – the May 12 primary election and the Nov. 3 general election. Offices up for election include positions such as Nebraska governor, treasurer, secretary of state, attorney general and half of the Nebraska legislature. Hall County races up for election include the county clerk, county attorney, county assessor/register of deeds, county treasurer and three of the seven county commissioners. Grand Island mayor, Grand Island city council, Wood River city council and local school boards also all have seats up for election.

“Registering to vote is easy to do,” Overstreet said. Voters may register in person at their local election commission office or county clerk’s office by providing their name, address, date of birth and signature. Voters will also need to select a political party to complete the registration. A Nebraska driver’s license or state ID number, last four digits of the Social Security number and contact information may also be provided.

Voters preferring to register online may do so through the secure portal at ne.gov/go/NEReg2Vote. The site requires a Nebraska driver’s license or state identification number be entered along with the voter’s name, address and party affiliation.

Hall County residents may mail their voter registration, along with a copy of a current valid ID, to the Hall County Election Office. Other options are registering to vote at the Department of Motor Vehicles while getting a driver’s license, at the Department of Health and Human Services or State Department of Education in relation to public assistance programs.

Registering to vote allows citizens to vote in elections, as well as provide a valid signature on petitions that can implement new laws, repeal existing laws or nominate a candidate. Registered voters may also serve as paid poll workers or may file as candidates in the upcoming elections.

For more information about becoming a registered voter, contact the Hall County Election Commission at (308) 385-5085 or visit the website at www.hallcountyne.gov