To Sign or Not to Sign: Paid Sick Leave Initiative
One petition being circulated for this year’s ballot is the “Paid Sick Leave Initiative.” It lays out rules that, if put on the ballot and passed, would require private Nebraska employers to provide a minimum amount of sick leave.
“The object of this petition is to enact a statute to provide eligible employees the right to earn paid sick time for personal or family health needs, to entitle those employed by employers with fewer than 20 employees to accrue and use up to 40 hours of earned paid sick time …
To Sign or not to Sign: Now Choose Life Constitutional Amendment
On May 2, a third abortion-related initiative was submitted to the Nebraska Secretary of State. VIP has already covered two abortion petitions—one that would establish a fundamental right to abortion in Nebraska, and one that would protect unborn children from abortion in the second and third trimesters, while allowing the possibility for further abortion restrictions to be passed by the Nebraska legislature in the future.
The third petition, Now Choose Life, would result in abortions being banned across Nebraska. Its object is to “amend the Nebraska Constitution to recognize …
To Sign or Not to Sign: Protect Women and Children—Constitutional Amendment
VIP recently became aware of an abortion petition that counters the proposed constitutional amendment “Protect the Right to Abortion” (PRA) amendment discussed in March’s blog. The new amendment is part of a campaign begun by the organization Protect Women & Children Initiative, a group of medical professionals. It is titled “Protect Women and Children” (PWC). The "Protect Women & Children Initiative” states the following:
Article One of the Nebraska Constitution shall be amended by adding a new section 31 that states as follows: “Except when a woman seeks …
from Nebraska Secretary of State: (including Voter turnout by County, 27% statewide)
- Statewide, (President, U.S. Senate (6-yr term), Senate Special Election (2-yr term); Congressional, (Districts 1, 2, 3); Legislature, (Odd-numbered districts); Public Service Commissioner (Districts 1, 3 - all unopposed); State Board of Education (Districts 1, 2, 3, 4); Board of Regents (Districts 3, 4, 5, 8); Learning Community (Districts 2, 4, 6); Natural Resources District (odd-numbered subdistricts); Metropolitan Utitilities District (Subdivisions 1, 2); Public Power Districts (Norris-Central and OPPD-8)
from Douglas County, The election will be official on Friday, May 31, 2024....
Voting in Nebraska – Primary 2024
The first step to voting in Nebraska is to register with your County Election Commission/Clerk. There are several ways you can do this: on-line, by mail, at the DMV, or at the election office. Check your county’s website to find the nearest location for you. A partial listing of counties is listed below. If you register anywhere other than the Election Office, the deadline is Friday, April 29. At the election office, the deadline is Friday, May 3. You will need a photo ID to register. If your religion doesn’t allow you …
To Sign or not to Sign: Protect the Right to Abortion – Constitutional Initiative
Abortion. To some, it’s a necessary tragedy. To some, it’s the taking of a life and the wounding of another. And to some, it’s a foundational right to freedom and autonomy.
Perhaps no other issue highlights the needs of families in a way that touches lives so intimately. Perhaps no other issue divides passionate, compassionate people so drastically. How can we support women experiencing unwanted pregnancies and the men who care about them? How can we ensure that every child is wanted? Despite the desire to …
To Sign or Not to Sign: EPIC Option
Over the next few months, Nebraskans may be approached by petitioners asking for signatures in support of the following two Amendments to Nebraska’s Constitution:
1. “A Constitutional Amendment to restrict governmental entities in Nebraska to imposing only retail consumption taxes and excise taxes. This amendment will eliminate Nebraska personal and real property taxes; personal and corporate income taxes; sales taxes and inheritance taxes.”
2. “A Constitutional Amendment allowing the Legislature to authorize governmental entities to impose consumption taxes on services and new goods with the limitation that only grocery items purchased …
See ballot issue to read actual wording of the proposal as it will appear on the ballot, as well as information about mail-in voting.
As its student population grows, Bennington Public Schools projects the need for increased capacity for their high school students. Bennington currently has one high school; however, accounting for growth in the lower grades, BPS projects that the high school will be approximately 200 students over capacity by the time current 5th graders reach 9th grade—assuming no major further community growth.
Last time, Bennington voters rejected a proposal to purchase bonds in the …
The right of Nebraska citizens to add issues to the ballot by petition is one that is embedded in the constitution, with historical precedent of over 100 years. While this is a common right across the United States, Nebraska’s unicameral again makes us unique in this area. In effect, the petition process grants voters the role of the “second house” of the legislature. And though this line is cliche, we should appreciate the responsibility that accompanies this power. Being an informed signer (or non-signer) is of similar importance to being an informed voter.
In this election cycle, there are eight …
