As the Nov. 5 elections come closer a lot of attention is being put on candidates nationally, mainly between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. But, at the state level, election season is also in full swing and young voters are set to play a large role in Nebraska as many key issues are on the ballet.
“Everything is on the ballot this year. We have reproductive rights, medical cannabis, paid sick leave, public school funding. This year in particular we have a lot of things so even if people are only fired up about one issue its probably on the ballet in some way,” Lancaster County Democrat Party Chair Hannah Wroblewski said.
Some key issues on Nebraska ballots this year include Nebraska Initiative 434, which would ban abortion in the second and third trimesters in the state Constitution. Nebraska Initiative 439 would enshrine a right to abortion up until fetal viability in the state Constitution, allowing abortions into the second trimester again, which was the current law before Roe v. Wade was overturned.
Nebraska Referendum 435 could send taxpayer dollars to private schools as scholarship money if approved. Nebraska Initiative 436 would change state law to give most workers at Nebraska businesses the right to paid sick time.
Nebraska Initiative 437 would let doctors recommend the use of medical cannabis, commonly referred to as medicinal marijuana, and would provide protections for patients and caregivers. Nebraska Initiative 438 would create a commission to regulate the private industry to provide medical cannabis to patients.
“This is my third election cycle and we are seeing young voters become really willing voters. Kamala Harris’s ticket resonates with younger voters a lot more, and they have become more eager to vote for her. Also, a lot of these ballet measures are really popular with them and they’ve been more vocal about national and local politics,” Wroblewski said.
Abortion appears to be the largest issue on the ballet itself, as Nebraska is the only state in the entire country to have dueling abortion measures on the ballot after Roe v. Wade was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2020. Voters across the state have the chance to decide whether they want Initiative 434 or 439 to be enacted.
“Do your research and know your ballet measures and go vote. But don’t just vote, go and get five of your friends to vote with you. Because the more people vote the more representative our government will be of what we actually want,” Wroblewski said.
While political discussion is mostly centered around the president, local, county and state positions appear to be getting an increased focus this election cycle. Wroblewski wants voters to use their votes to ensure they get the local and state policies they want.
“The more local a position the more it directly affects you. It is important to have a president who represents you and is going to stand up for what you believe in. But who your city counselor is affects your day-to-day. Our roads getting fixed, things that you actually notice in your day-to-day life that might be a down ballet position you never gave much mind to. Those are the most impactful,” Wroblewski said.
Wroblewski stressed to young voters that they have sway in the democratic process and that they can empower themselves and others to go vote. She emphasized that the democratic process only works if people actively participate in it.
“Do your research and know your ballet measures and go vote. But don’t just vote, go and get five of your friends to vote with you. Because the more people vote the more representative our government will be of what we actually want,” Wroblewski said.
Most elected officials are up for either reelection or have a challenger to their position. The deadline to request a mail-in ballot or register to vote has ended; however, in-person voting will be held on election night, Nov. 5. You can find resources on candidates, ballot initiatives and more on the Flat Water Press Nebraska voters guide at voterguide.flatwaterfreepress.org.
