Nebraska candidate filing now open

Candidate filing for the May 14, 2024, statewide Nebraska primary began Jan. 5. Individuals who wish to run for state and federal offices in 2024 can start filing with the Nebraska secretary of state’s office.

“This is an exciting time for our office as we look ahead to the 2024 election cycle,” Bob Evnen, secretary of state said. “Our elections division is ready to help individuals file for office. Candidates should be mindful of deadlines and the appropriate documents needed to file for office successfully.”

Candidates can access filing-related documents and information on the Nebraska Secretary of State’s website here . There, candidates can view the 2024 Candidate Filing Guide, which lists the offices that are up for election, instructions for candidates on how to file, the qualifications for public office and other important information.

Primary filing deadlines

The incumbent filing deadline for offices appearing on the primary ballot is February 15. This includes any person currently holding office, including incumbents who hold an elected position but are running for a different office.

The non-incumbent filing deadline is March 1. This includes any person who does not currently hold an elected office.

Individuals who do not meet the filing deadlines will not appear on the primary ballot. There are several steps and documents needed to file for office. The elections division recommends candidates file early to meet the deadlines specified by statute.

Know where to file

Candidates for the following offices will file with the secretary of state’s office:

U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, Public Service Commissioner, Legislature, State Board of Education, Board of Regents for the University of Nebraska, Community Colleges, Learning Community Coordinating Council, Natural Resources Districts, Educational Service Units, Metropolitan Utilities District of Omaha, Reclamation Districts, and Public Power (& Irrigation) Districts.

All county, municipal and local school district candidates will file for office with their respective county election office. Candidates can find their local election office’s contact information here .

Voter ID begins with primary

Nebraska’s new voter ID law takes effect for the May statewide primary and will be in effect for every election in Nebraska going forward. Voters can find resources and educational material on the secretary of state’s website at VoterID.Nebraska.gov.

Beware of

misinformation

The secretary of state’s office reminds voters to use trusted sources for election information, such as information distributed from the secretary of state’s office or a Nebraska county election office. It is anticipated that misinformation about elections will increase in 2024. It’s important to verify claims that come up in election-related articles and social media posts.

What’s next?

County election offices are beginning to recruit poll workers to help with the May statewide primary.

By state statute, county election offices can begin accepting early voting ballot requests on Jan. 15. However, state and county offices will be closed Jan. 15 in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. County offices will begin processing requests the following day, Tuesday, Jan. 16.