by Joey Colbert, reporter
OMAHA – As we wait and see the outcome for the 2020 election, mail-in ballots could be the future for voting as the Election Commission sees an increase in requests.
The Douglas County Election Commission is in charge of handling the elections taking place in the Omaha metropolitan area, whether that’s mail-in voting or the polling place. They count out the votes and determine the outcome once the election ends.
With the pandemic hitting in March, there is an increase in mail-in voting in Douglas County. Election Commissioner Brian Kruse believes the turnout will be 70 percent mail-in voting and 30 percent polling place. He said the Election Commission sent out over 155 thousand requested mail-in ballots to Douglas County residents.
Due to the high demand of mail-in ballots, Kruse announced last month that the commission added four new drop box locations in Omaha, making it a total of 13 in Douglas County. On top of that, he said the other nine drop boxes were replaced with newer and larger boxes that can withstand the weather elements of Nebraska.
With growing concern of voter fraud in the election, the commission promised the public that mail in voting is just as secure as voting at a polling place
“One of the most important duties and responsibilities a citizen has is to vote,” Mary Ann Borgeson said, Douglas County Commissioner. “One of the most important things the county does is to make sure we have a well-run and secure election.”
Kruse said committing voter fraud is a felony in Nebraska, and there are heavy consequences for those who commit it. However, he does not believe it will be an issue in Nebraska as it hasn’t occurred in Omaha throughout his time as commissioner.
“You can go to prison for [voter fraud],” Kruse said. “I’m not sure that there’s many people in Douglas County that really want to go to jail for committing voter fraud.”
Kruse tells voters that their mail-in ballots will reach the Election Commission as long as they drop them off in the drop boxes.
“These drop boxes are safe, they are secure and they are the most direct means to return their ballots to the Election Commission,” Kruse said.
One of the highlights for these drop boxes is people can drive up to some of the locations and cast in their ballots from their cars. This makes voting more convenient for people with disabilities.
With more drop boxes visible around the county, voters have more access to cast in their ballots. Kruse believes the turn out will be 70 percent mail-in voting and 30 percent polling place.
As for mail-in voting, it could be the new norm for future elections but that will depend on how effective they are in this election. Douglas County Commissioner Chris Rogers has confidence with the mailing ballot turnout in Nebraska.
“We can do all mail elections in Douglas County,” Rogers said. “My hope this helps have more competence in the process with the citizens that we can get there and have greater participation in this process all throughout the county.”
As the 2020 election wraps, Kruse reminds voters one thing from now and for future elections.
“When you cast your vote, it truly is democracy in action,” he said.
