The applications began arriving in the mail after July 29. Voters must complete, sign and return them by 6:00 p.m. Oct. 23 to receive a ballot by mail.
By Hola Nebraska
Some Douglas County voters will receive a green postcard in the mail to request an early voting ballot. The form is not a ballot, and receiving it does not mean a ballot will be mailed automatically.
To receive a ballot by mail for the Nov. 3, 2026, general election, voters must complete the application, provide the required identification information, sign it and return it to the Douglas County Election Commission.
The first group of applications was mailed Wednesday, July 29, and is expected to reach homes in early August. The forms are being sent to voters enrolled in the county’s Early Voting Request List, not to every registered voter in Douglas County.
The application requires identification and a signature
The form asks for a Nebraska driver’s license or state ID number. Voters who do not have either document may include a copy of another acceptable photo ID or submit a Reasonable Impediment Certification when applicable.
Voters must also sign the application. The Election Commission cannot process an incomplete or unsigned request for a ballot by mail.
The commission must receive the application by 6:00 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23. That is the deadline to request that an early voting ballot be mailed to the voter.
Completed applications may be returned in any of the following ways:
- At an official Election Commission drop box, with no postage required.
- By mail, with the appropriate postage.
- In person at 12220 W. Center Road, Omaha, NE 68144.
- By fax at 402-444-4181.
- By email, with a photo or digital copy of the signed application attached, to [email protected].
Douglas County has 13 election drop boxes that accept applications, ballots and other election materials. The available drop boxes are open 24 hours a day and do not require postage.
Voters can request a ballot without receiving the form
Voters do not need to receive one of the mailed applications to request an early voting ballot. Any registered voter in Douglas County may submit a signed written request, even if they are not enrolled in the county’s mailing list.
Nebraska does not require voters to provide a reason for voting early. The option is available to every registered voter, not only those who will be out of town, have a medical condition or cannot vote at the polls.
A written request must include the voter’s name, registered address, date of birth, mailing address for the ballot and signature. It must also include a Nebraska driver’s license or state ID number or another form of documentation accepted under the state’s voter identification rules.
The application, identification requirements and drop box locations are available on the official Douglas County early voting webpage.
Early voting ballots will be mailed beginning Sept. 28
Douglas County will begin mailing early voting ballots Monday, Sept. 28. The ballots will arrive in gold-colored envelopes measuring approximately 6 by 9 inches, making them easy to distinguish from the postcard applications.
In-person early voting will begin Oct. 5 at the Election Commission office. It will remain available through 5:00 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2.
The general election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 3. Polling places in Douglas County will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The election follows a Nebraska primary in which Democratic turnout exceeded Republican turnout for the first time in more than 30 years, although more Republican ballots were cast overall.
Completed ballots must arrive by 8:00 p.m. Nov. 3
After completing the ballot, voters must place it inside the included return envelope. They must sign the back of the envelope for the ballot to be counted.
Completed ballots may be returned by mail, delivered directly to the Election Commission office or placed in an official drop box. All ballots must reach the commission by 8:00 p.m. Nov. 3.
A postmark dated before Election Day will not be enough if the ballot arrives after the polls close.
Tuesday, Oct. 27, is the recommended final day to return a ballot through the U.S. Postal Service. After that date, voters can avoid possible mail delays by using an official drop box or delivering the ballot directly to the Election Commission.
Voters with questions can contact the Douglas County Election Commission at 402-444-VOTE (8683). Applications to receive an early voting ballot by mail must arrive by 6:00 p.m. Oct. 23.
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