By Secretary of State's Office
Secretary of State Bob Evnen provides important reminders for Nebraska voters before they head to the polls on May 12, 2026, for the statewide primary election.
Voting at the polls
Polls will open, staffed and ready for voters on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 8 a.m. CT and 7 a.m. MT. Polls will close at 8 p.m. CT and 7 p.m. MT. Voters who are in line when polls close will be permitted to cast their ballots.
Voters can find their polling place and review sample ballots before heading to the polls using ne.gov/go/votercheck.
Early voting ballots
Voters have until the close of polls (8 p.m. CT or 7 p.m. MT) on Election Day to return their early voting ballots to their county election offices or to a secure ballot drop box. Late ballots will not be accepted. Ballots which are postmarked on or before Election Day but are not received until after polls close will not be accepted.
County election office locations: https://sos.nebraska.gov/elections/election-officials-contact-information
Secure drop box locations: https://sos.nebraska.gov/elections/nebraska-drop-box-locator
If a voter loses or damages their ballot or does not receive their early ballot by Election Day, they may cast a provisional ballot at their polling place. Their provisional ballot will be counted once it is confirmed that no other ballots have been cast for them.
Voters can verify that their ballot was received and accepted using ne.gov/go/votercheck.
Bring your ID
Since the 2024 election cycle, Nebraska voters have been required to present an acceptable photo ID to vote. A voter who does not have a photo ID with them at the polls may still cast a provisional ballot, but the voter must present their photo ID to their county election office by close of business on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. IDs may be expired but they must have the voter’s name and photo.
A full list of acceptable photo IDs for voting can be found at voterID.nebraska.gov.
Special accommodation and assistance
Poll workers are trained and prepared to help voters if they require special assistance to vote at their polling places. Curbside assistance is available for those who have difficulty walking or utilizing assistive devices. Ballot-marking devices called ExpressVotes are available for anyone to use, and they include features that can help those with vision or mobility difficulties cast a ballot privately and independently.
Electioneering is prohibited
Campaign items are not permitted inside polling places. That includes but is not limited to buttons, stickers, T-shirts or hats. It is illegal to campaign within 200 feet of the entrance to a polling place. Campaign signs can be installed on private property within 200 feet of the entrance to a polling place, provided that the property does not include where the polling place is located.