Press Release: Senator Megan Hunt Introduces Legislation to Increase Local Control in Election Administration

January 11th, 2019

Press

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Deena Keilany

Email: dkeilany@leg.ne.gov

Senator Megan Hunt Introduces Legislation to Increase Local Control in Election Administration

Lincoln, NE— 1.11.19 — Today Senator Megan Hunt introduced LB163 to allow polling precincts in all Nebraska counties to administer their elections using a vote by mail standard. Currently, counties with populations greater than 10,000 do not have the option of conducting vote by mail elections. Senator Hunt’s proposed legislation would remove this population cap, expanding local control and allowing 26 Nebraska counties to assess their own needs and make decisions informed by local data.

In the 2018 Primary, Garden County held Nebraska’s first county-wide vote by mail election where voter turnout skyrocketed to 59% -- double the 2014 primary turnout. Following this election, many Nebraska counties expressed interest in following Garden County’s example, which would be possible with the passage of LB163.

“Every county in Nebraska, in cooperation with the Secretary of State, should be able to choose to do vote by mail elections if it makes sense for them. Removing this administrative barrier will increase turnout and make elections more accessible and secure,” said Senator Hunt.

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For more information, please contact Deena Keilany at (402) 471-4604 or dkeilany@leg.ne.gov

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In the News: Forbes

November 23rd, 2018

Ocasio-Cortez and Hunt devoted a substantial amount of their campaigning time to listening. Hunt posted on social media: “over the past 510 days, my priority has been listening to the people of District 8.” Yes, just listening. As Hunt shared on her blog the day after her successful first fun for elected office: “The thing about public service is that we don’t pick and choose who we care for. I have worked every day on this campaign to have a conversation with everyone I could have the privilege of representing” Listening is a key networking skill. It ensures you truly understand the audience you’re trying to reach. And by going to where your targeted audience hangout everyday (for Ocasio-Cortez and Hunt that involved heading into the community) you’re listening not only with your ears, but with all of your senses so you can truly “hear” what is being said. Read more at Forbes.com.

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