LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska’s practice of electing state lawmakers in nonpartisan races could end under a measure presented to a legislative committee, but the idea faces criticism from several former senators.
The proposal would require legislative candidates to appear on the ballot with a party label.
Lawmakers would first have to place the constitutional amendment on the November ballot, and voters would have to approve it.
Sen. Julie Slama, a Republican from Sterling, says the measure would make elections more transparent and give voters a better sense of a candidate’s leanings.
But opponents, including four former state lawmakers from both parties, said the proposal would inject more partisan influence into the Legislature.