Nebraska’s new voter ID law, LB514, was passed on June 1 of last year and requires all of Nebraska’s registered voters to have photo identification with them when they go to cast their ballot.  

This new law came after Nebraska voters showed support for a constitutional amendment to require photo voter ID in 2022. 

“Nebraska’s election will look a little different going forward,” Secretary of State Bob Evnen said. “Nebraskans should take some time now to prepare a voting plan and ensure they have an ID that will work under the new voter ID law.” 

According to the Nebraska Secretary of State’s office, a wide array of IDs will be acceptable to use when voting.  

“The ID must have the voter’s name and photo on it and can be expired. IDs from public and private colleges can be used to vote along with other acceptable IDs including a Nebraska driver’s license, a Nebraska state ID, a U.S. passport, a military ID, a tribal ID, a Nebraska political subdivision ID (state, county, city, public school, etc.) or a Nebraska hospital, nursing home or assisted-living facility record,”  

College students in Nebraska can vote in their home county using their parents’ address or in the new county they live in using their school address. According to Nebraska Voter Registration Statistics, “as of 2021, the 18-20 age group contains 48,344 voters, making up 3.91% of total registered voters.” 

If registered at home, students can either return home on the day of the election to cast their vote, vote early at their county election office, or have a ballot mailed to them by the county election office at their college address. Students have the same options if they register in their new address’s county where they go to college. 

For students, voting in person requires they have any acceptable IDs to cast their ballot. If they are voting by mail, they must include either of photocopy of their state ID or driver’s license or write the number of their ID on their ballot return envelope. 

Wayne State College freshman Alexia Staub is just one from the large group of students who were unaware of the new voting law.  

“I believe that voting is important because every vote matters, but I keep forgetting and when I do remember, I don’t have my license with me.” 

Nebraskans can get a free state ID from the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles, or the DMV. If the person was born in Nebraska and needs a free certified copy of their Nebraska birth certificate to get a free state ID for voting purposes, they can contact the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services or the DHHS. 

To register online, students must have a driver’s license or state ID and can go to the Nebraska Secretary of State’s website.