Primary May 12 still on as scheduled

As of Tuesday morning, it’s still business as usual for the Chase County Clerk’s Office as the May 12 Primary nears.

Wendy Moe, an office clerk there, said the primary is still on as scheduled in Nebraska, but office staff here is preparing for a larger than normal vote-by-mail response.

She said they are acquiring more mailing envelopes for the mail-in ballots as people are concerned with spread of the coronavirus.

Nebraska is a “no-excuse” state, meaning any registered voter may request an early-voting (absentee) ballot, and is not required to provide a reason.

If people want to vote early but want to do it in person, that is an option, too. Residents can vote early in-person at the county clerk’s office, which will start in Chase County on April 13 (30 days prior to a primary). Early voting concludes May 11.

As of now, Moe said Chase County’s polling places on May 12 will be open.

People have the option of registering to vote by mail, too. Moe said people can access the form online at the secretary of state’s website, or if they prefer, they can call the local clerk’s office, 308-882-7500, and they will be mailed one.

The mailed in voter registrations must be back to the clerk’s office by April 24, she said. 

Chase County residents can also register to vote in person at the clerk’s office until May 1. 

Early voting dates, deadlines 

April 6:   Early voting ballots begin to be mailed out.

April 13: Early voting in county election offices begin.

April 24: Last day for clerk’s office to receive mailed-in voter registration forms.

May 1: Deadline for in-office voter registrations. Clerk’s office open until 6 p.m.

May 1: Last day to request a ballot to be mailed to you.

May 11:  Last day to vote early in county election office.

May 12:  Election Day