Leigh, Nebraska Public Records

Nebraska offers online voter registration through the Nebraska Secretary of State's website at https://www.nebraska.gov/apps/sos/voter-registration/. Eligible citizens must be at least 18 years old by election day, be U.S. Citizens, and be Nebraska residents. Registration requires a Nebraska driver's license or state ID. The deadline falls at 6:00 PM on the third Friday preceding any election, roughly 18 days before election day. Same-day voter registration is not available in the state. Residents can alternatively register by mail or in person at the Colfax County Clerk's office. While photo identification isn't required at the polls, voters must provide a driver's license number, state ID number, or the last four digits of their Social Security number during registration. The Village of Leigh holds municipal elections for mayor and village board members, typically along with the statewide primary election in May of odd-numbered years. The next municipal election is scheduled for May 2025, when voters will elect village board members to four-year terms. Candidate filing takes place in February and March preceding the May election, with all filings submitted to the Colfax County Election Commissioner. Information on local candidates and any village ballot measures can be obtained from the Colfax County Clerk's office or at village board meetings. Residents can locate their assigned polling place using the Nebraska Voter Registration lookup tool at https://www.votercheck.necvr.ne.gov/voterview. By entering their name and date of birth or address, voters can view registration status, polling location, sample ballots, and district information. Local residents typically vote at a polling location within the village, often at the Leigh Community Center or school, though confirmation before each election is recommended. Nebraska public records law makes certain election records publicly accessible. Voter registration lists can be purchased from the Secretary of State or county election offices for lawful purposes, though commercial solicitation is prohibited. Campaign finance reports for state and local candidates are filed with the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission and are searchable online at https://nadc.nebraska.gov/. Candidate filing information, precinct-level election results, and ballot issue language are all available through the Colfax County Clerk or Secretary of State. In the November 2024 general election, Colfax County reported approximately 64% voter turnout, with roughly 4,200 ballots cast from approximately 6,500 registered voters. County results showed strong support for Republican candidates in federal and state races, consistent with rural Nebraska voting patterns. Leigh's specific precinct results are included in Colfax County totals reported by the election commissioner. The November 3, 2026 general election will carry significant weight for voters in Leigh and Colfax County. Nebraska's U.S. Senate seat currently held by Deb Fischer is not up for election in 2026, as she was re-elected in 2024. However, one of Nebraska's three U.S. House seats, District 1, which includes Colfax County, will be on the ballot. The state does not have a gubernatorial election in 2026, since the governor is elected in presidential years. State legislative races will be critical, as Nebraska's unicameral Legislature District 19, which includes the village, will be contested if the incumbent does not seek re-election. County offices appearing on the 2026 ballot include Colfax County Sheriff, County Attorney, County Clerk, Register of Deeds, County Assessor, and County Commissioners for certain districts, all elected to four-year terms. Village offices are elected in odd-year May elections, so no village positions will appear on the November 2026 ballot. Nebraska offers early voting by mail through the absentee ballot process, and any registered voter may request an absentee ballot without providing an excuse. Requests can be submitted online through the Secretary of State's Online Ballot Request system at https://www.nebraska.gov/apps/sos/voter-registration/, by mail, or in person at the Colfax County Clerk's office. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is 6:00 PM on the second Friday before election day. Completed ballots must be received by the Colfax County election office by the close of polls on election day to be counted; postmarks do not suffice. The state does not have universal mail voting and does not offer permanent absentee status, meaning voters must request absentee ballots for each election.