With an election right around the corner, we’re reflecting on some of the victories for democracy that have been a part of the ACLU’s 50 years of defending freedom in Nebraska.
From getting an issue or candidate onto the ballot, to voicing a political opinion, to casting a vote, the ACLU has worked to defend your rights at every stage.
- 27 new polling places opened up in Douglas County after the ACLU responded to complaints from residents in 2012.
- In 2011, the ACLU won a case on behalf of a ballot access organization called Citizens in Charge. The lawsuit challenged the difficulty of getting a third-party candidate or issue on the ballot following a change in law by the legislature.
- In 2008, the ACLU protected the free speech and political expression rights of people who wanted to display yard signs in Lincoln.
- Back in 2004, we were contacted by firefights from Hastings who wanted to be able to vote but were scheduled for all of election day. This ended up being one of our many victories for civil liberties achieved through a phone call and a letter.
There’s also been watchdog work, ensuring counties are providing bilingual voting materials and providing proper information about voting access for people with a felony conviction (currently in Nebraska, you must wait two years after the completion of a sentence to be able to vote), and ensuring our polls are accessible to transgender Nebraskans.
When it comes to the legislature, the ACLU has joined with broad coalitions to champion voting rights for all:
- Stopping voter ID laws from passing, year after year.
- Expanding voting access to people with a felony conviction.
- Supporting online voter registration
- And yes, the ever popular ballot selfie.
We’re proud to have worked to protect democracy for 50 years in Nebraska and hope that you will do your part by casting a ballot on or before November 8th, 2016!
