Nebraska voters head to the polls in three weeks and already a record amount of residents are expected to cast their vote.
“It’s unprecedented, the request for the number for early ballots is unprecedented.” Bob Evnen, Nebraska’s Secretary of State tells KLIN News.
Nebraskans have requested 340,000 ballots so far which is 27,000 more than the total who voted in the 2016 primary election.
“We know we’re going to have a strong turnout in the election both in early voting and at the poll.”
His office says they’ve received 92,000 ballots.
The reason for such a demand, Evnen says, is because of the coronavirus.
If you do plan on heading to the poll on May 12, Evnen says you can expect changes, but they’re aimed at keeping you safe.
“We’re going to be providing our poll workers with masks, with gloves, with hand sanitizer, with cleaner and every voter will have their own pen.”
Even the pens are new.
“This is the first time when voters will be marking their ballots with a black pen instead of a pencil,” Evnen says. “We have a separate pen for each and every voter. They’ll be able to use it and take it with them.”
He added they’re in need of workers, and you get paid for your time.
The traditional workers are in the high-risk age group for the new coronavirus.
“This is a good time for younger Nebraskans to step up and help out our poll workers. I’m hopeful they will, I’m optimistic they will,” he says.
If you’re interested, Evnen says to contact your county election commissioner.