Broken Bow, Nebraska Public Records

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. 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. Nebraska's unicameral Legislature serves four-year terms on a nonpartisan basis, with half the seats up for election every two years. 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. 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.