LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraska voters will head to the polls next week for the statewide primary. Two Nebraska organizations say it is important that polling sites be ready for questions that could come up from some LGBTQ+ voters and poll workers given the state’s new photo identification requirement.
Today, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Nebraska and OutNebraska sent information to election officials across the state to help guide poll workers in creating a welcoming environment and ensuring each eligible voter can cast their ballot.
The tip sheet lays out simple definitions and guidance for facilitating the vote of transgender, gender-nonconforming and nonbinary voters, covering topics such as what to do if a voter’s photo ID seems different than their current gender presentation and how to move forward after making a mistake, such as using the wrong pronouns in reference to a voter.
OutNebraska Community Organizer Aryn Huck made this statement on the guidance:
“Part of OutNebraska's mission is to educate people on the lived experience of LGBTQ+ people,” Huck said. “We are happy to provide this educational resource to help ensure election workers can do their jobs. LGBTQ+ Nebraskans live in all corners of the state and are often active members in their communities. We know our poll workers want to treat everyone with dignity and respect, and this resource can help them do that.”
ACLU of Nebraska Legal Fellow Grant Friedman made this statement on the guidance:
“The bottom line is that no eligible voter should face barriers to the ballot simply because they are part of the LGBTQ+ community,” Friedman said. “Each election year, we generally hear that polling places have been welcoming to all voters, but we know the new photo identification requirement could lead to some unexpected interactions with some LGBTQ+ voters. We hope this guidance helps continue to set a respectful tone at polling places across the state.”
Along with the poll worker guidance, the organizations have also published voting information for LGBTQ+ voters on OutNebraska.org and TransNebraska.org, a website managed by the ACLU of Nebraska. Information includes answers to common questions and election protection resources.
