Broken Bow Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Broken Bow, Nebraska government websites.
About Broken Bow, Nebraska
Law Enforcement
Municipal law enforcement in Broken Bow falls under the jurisdiction of the Broken Bow Police Department, which handles day-to-day policing within city limits. This partnership ensures law enforcement coverage throughout the county, with each agency bringing its own expertise and resources to bear when needed.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Custer County Jail in Broken Bow is the primary detention facility for Custer County. When individuals are booked into the facility, they undergo fingerprinting, photographing, and documentation of personal information. The public can access inmate lookup services to find information about current detainees. Visitation at the jail requires scheduling appointments and following security protocols specific to the facility. Bond and bail procedures follow Nebraska state guidelines, allowing arrestees to post either cash bonds or surety bonds arranged through a bail bondsman.
Arrest Records
The Custer County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county, documenting details of each arrest along with charges filed and personal information about those taken into custody. Residents and attorneys seeking these records can request them through the Sheriff's Office by following procedures outlined in the Nebraska Public Records Law. A typical arrest record includes the date of arrest, specific charges, and identifying information about which agency made the arrest.
Court Records
Located at 435 South 9th Avenue, Broken Bow, NE 68822, the Custer County Court handles civil and criminal cases for the area. Those seeking access to court records, case files, and proceedings can contact the court clerk's office directly at (308) 872-6328. Records are also accessible through the Nebraska Judicial Branch website at https://www.nebraska.gov/courts/index.html, which provides additional resources for navigating the state court system.
Criminal Records
Custer County's criminal records include felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. Background checks can be conducted through the Nebraska State Patrol, which provides statewide criminal history reports. The Nebraska State Patrol also offers resources for residents seeking background checks and criminal record information.
Public Records Access
A wide variety of public records for Broken Bow are maintained at the Custer County Clerk's Office, including property deeds, marriage licenses, birth and death certificates, and other vital records. These documents can be accessed in person at the Custer County Courthouse, 435 South 9th Avenue, Broken Bow, NE 68822, or by calling the office at (308) 872-6348. Additional information about accessing public records is available through Custer County's website at https://www.co.custer.ne.us/, which provides guidance on the types of documents available and how to request them.
Vital Records
The Broken Bow City Clerk's Office is responsible for maintaining vital records for the city, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates. These records can be obtained by visiting the Broken Bow City Hall at 210 North Broadway Street, Broken Bow, NE 68822, or by calling (308) 872-6410. The city's website, https://www.cityofbrokenbow.org/, offers additional information on accessing vital records.
Business & Licensing Records
The Broken Bow Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 300 South 9th Avenue, Broken Bow, NE 68822, is a central resource for the local business community. The chamber maintains a directory of area businesses and provides information on obtaining business licenses and permits within the city. Entrepreneurs and business owners can access a searchable business directory and other resources through the chamber's website at https://brokenbowchamber.com/, making it easier to connect with the local commercial network.
Economy & Demographics
Broken Bow's economy is primarily driven by agriculture, with a strong presence of farming and ranching operations in the surrounding rural areas. The city also is a regional hub for commerce, with a diverse mix of retail, service, and manufacturing businesses. The Broken Bow Area Chamber of Commerce, https://brokenbowchamber.com/, provides information on the local economy and business community.
Elections & Voter Records
The Custer County Clerk/Election Commissioner administers all aspects of voting in Broken Bow, from federal races down to municipal contests. The office is located at 431 South 10th Avenue in the Custer County Courthouse, Broken Bow, NE 68822, and can be reached at 308-872-5701. Staff members maintain voter registration records, process absentee ballot applications, recruit and train poll workers, and certify election results. The office welcomes voters Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM for registration and election services.
Nebraska residents can register to vote online through the Nebraska Secretary of State's website at https://www.nebraska.gov/apps-sos-voter-registration/ or by completing a paper application available at the Custer County Clerk's office, public libraries, DMV offices, and various state agencies. To qualify, voters must be U.S. Citizens, at least 18 years old by the election date, and residents of Nebraska. The registration deadline falls on the third Friday before any election, which is 17 days prior for mail registration. Same-day registration is available in person at early voting locations and on Election Day with proper documentation. Acceptable forms of ID for registration include a Nebraska driver's license or state ID number, or the last four digits of a Social Security number. Unlike some states, Nebraska does not require photo ID to vote at the polls, voters simply sign the register and receive a ballot. As an incorporated city, Broken Bow conducts municipal elections for mayor and city council positions. The city operates under a mayor-council form of government with the mayor and four council members elected on a nonpartisan basis. Municipal elections typically occur on the first Tuesday in May, Nebraska's uniform municipal election date, every four years for mayor and on staggered terms for council seats. The next city council election is scheduled for May 2025, with the mayoral election following in 2027. Information about candidates, filing deadlines, and local ballot issues can be obtained from the Broken Bow City Clerk at City Hall (308-872-5850) or the Custer County Clerk's office. Residents can locate their assigned polling place by contacting the Custer County Clerk at 308-872-5701, checking the voter registration card mailed before each election, or using the polling place lookup tool on the Nebraska Secretary of State's website at https://www.votercheck.necvr.ne.gov/voterview. Custer County typically operates approximately 20 polling places throughout Custer County. Broken Bow voters cast ballots at locations such as the Event Center, various schools, and community buildings depending on their precinct. Nebraska public records law makes various election records accessible to the public. Voter registration lists are available for purchase from county election offices for political purposes at a cost of $0.50 per 100 names. Campaign finance reports for candidates and committees are filed with and available from the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission at https://nadc.nebraska.gov. Candidate filing information, ballot language, and precinct-level election results are public records maintained by the Custer County Clerk and Secretary of State. In the November 2024 presidential election, Custer County reported approximately 5,200 ballots cast from roughly 7,100 registered voters, representing a turnout of approximately 73%, consistent with rural Nebraska's typically high voter participation rates. Looking ahead to the November 3, 2026 general election, Broken Bow and Custer County voters will decide several significant races. Nebraska voters will elect a Governor and Lieutenant Governor as incumbent Governor Jim Pillen's term expires in 2027, along with all state constitutional officers including Secretary of State, Attorney General, State Treasurer, and State Auditor. Nebraska's unicameral Legislature serves four-year terms on a nonpartisan basis, with half the seats up for election every two years. District 38, which includes Custer County, will be on the ballot in 2026. County offices up for election in 2026 include all Custer County Commissioners (staggered terms), County Clerk, Register of Deeds, County Sheriff, County Attorney, County Assessor, and other county positions on four-year cycles. While U.S. Senate elections in Nebraska occur in 2024 and 2026 cycles, 2026 will not feature a Nebraska U.S. Senate race as both seats are on different cycles. Nebraska's three U.S. House seats are elected every two years. Nebraska's 3rd Congressional District, which includes all of Custer County, will be on the 2026 ballot. Local school board positions and any special district elections may also appear on the ballot. Nebraska offers early voting beginning 30 days before Election Day at the Custer County Clerk's office and designated early voting locations, available Monday through Friday during business hours and the Saturday before the election. Voters can request absentee/mail-in ballots by submitting a written application to the Custer County Clerk by the second Friday before Election Day. Applications are available at https://sos.nebraska.gov or from the Custer County Clerk's office. Absentee ballots are mailed to voters who are unable to vote in person due to absence from the county, illness, disability, or other qualifying reasons. Military and overseas voters can request ballots through the Federal Voting Assistance Program. Completed absentee ballots must be returned by mail (postmarked by Election Day) or delivered in person to the Custer County Clerk's office by 8:00 PM on Election Day.
Frequently Asked Questions
6 What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Broken Bow, Custer County, Nebraska, and what information is provided in the records?
Vital records for Broken Bow, Custer County, Nebraska including birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses are available through the Nebraska Department of Health. Requests can be made online, by mail, or in person. The Custer County Clerk's office may also issue certified copies. Valid identification and proof of eligibility are required.
7 How do I register to vote in Broken Bow, Nebraska?
To register to vote in Broken Bow, Nebraska, residents can register online through the Nebraska Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Custer County elections office. Nebraska requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the Nebraska Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Broken Bow, contact the Custer County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
8 How do I look up property records in Broken Bow, Nebraska?
Property records for Broken Bow, Nebraska are maintained by the Custer County Assessor's Office and the Custer County Register of Deeds. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Custer County, including parcels in Broken Bow. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Custer County Register of Deeds maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Nebraska counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. For in-person requests, visit the Custer County offices at the county courthouse. The Custer County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
9 How do I get a birth or death certificate in Broken Bow, Nebraska?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Broken Bow, Nebraska residents are available through both county and state offices. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Vital Records, located in Lincoln, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Nebraska. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Custer County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Custer County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.