By state law, the Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office hosts public hearings on all ballot initiatives or referendums that will appear on a general election ballot. Hearings provide an opportunity for community members to be heard. They also help impact public opinion by providing more awareness of what is at stake.

Hearings this October 

1st Congressional District

Location: Nebraska State Capitol (Room 1525), 1445 K St., Lincoln
Monday, Oct. 14

1:30-4:30 p.m. CDT, Paid sick leave initiative (436)
For planning purposes, please fill out this form if you are planning to testify in support of paid sick leave.
6-9 p.m. CDT, Medical marijuana initiatives (437 + 438)

Tuesday, Oct. 15

1:30-4:30 p.m. CDT, Abortion ban initiative (434)
6-9 p.m. CDT, Initiative protecting abortion rights (439)
For planning purposes, please fill out this form if you are planning to testify on either or both of these initiatives. 

Wednesday, Oct. 16

6-9 p.m. CDT, Private school scholarship referendum (To repeal section 1 of LB 1402)

2nd Congressional District 

Location: Thompson Alumni Center, 6705 Dodge St., Omaha 
Friday, Oct. 25 

1:30-4:30 p.m. CDT, Paid sick leave initiative (436)
For planning purposes, please fill out this form if you are planning to testify in support of paid sick leave.
6-9 p.m. CDT, Medical marijuana initiatives (437 + 438)

Saturday, Oct. 26

9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. CDT, Abortion ban initiative (434)
1:30-4:30 p.m. CDT, Initiative protecting abortion rights (439)
For planning purposes, please fill out this form if you are planning to testify on either or both of the abortion initiatives.
6-9 p.m. CDT, Private school scholarship referendum (To repeal section 1 of LB 1402)

3rd Congressional District 

Location: Nebraska Association of County Officials West Training Center, 102 Diamond Springs Trail, Ogallala 
Monday, Oct. 21

1:30-4:30 p.m. MDT, Medical marijuana initiatives (437 + 438) 
6-9 p.m. MDT, Paid sick leave initiative (436)
For planning purposes, please fill out this form if you are planning to testify in support of paid sick leave.

Tuesday, Oct. 22 

9:30a.m.-12:30 p.m. MDT, Private school scholarship referendum (To repeal section 1 of LB 1402)
1:30-4:30 p.m. MDT, Initiative protecting abortion rights (439)
6-9 p.m. MDT, Abortion ban initiative (434)
For planning purposes, please fill out this form if you are planning to testify on either or both of the abortion initiatives. 

What to Expect 

Nebraska’s secretary of state runs these hearings. There will be a block of time for supporters to speak, and time for the opposition. The order isn’t clear, so plan to attend for the entire block of time. It’s a good idea to write down what you want to say ahead of time as there may be a time limit, often 3 minutes, for each testifier. Unlike legislative hearings, you won’t get asked any questions. Your commitment is simply to show up and read your testimony.

What to Say

Remember that you are not just speaking to the officials running the hearing, but also other people in the room and Nebraskans who will watch media coverage of the testimony. Start by introducing yourself, and, if applicable, the organization you are representing. Explain why the measure is important to you and Nebraska as a whole. You can testify in one hearing, or all of them.

Remember to: 

  • Vote AGAINST 434 and FOR 439 to end the current abortion ban and let Nebraskans make their own decisions about abortion and pregnancy. Find more details or sign up to volunteer at ProtectOurRights.com.
  • Vote FOR Initiative 436 to establish earned paid sick leave, making sure that no Nebraskan has to choose between their paycheck and their health or the health of their family. Learn more or sign up to volunteer at PaidSickLeaveForNebraskans.org. 
  • Vote FOR Initiative 437 and 438 – the Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana initiatives – to take a step forward on marijuana reform. Learn more or sign up to volunteer at NebraskaMarijuana.org. 
  • Finally, vote to REPEAL section 1 of LB 1402 to ensure that public dollars aren’t diverted to private schools. Learn more about the ACLU's position on school voucher schemes or sign up to volunteer at SupportOurSchoolsNebraska.org.

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