(KTNC) - Nebraskans are voting early and changing their party affiliation in advance of the primary election. Secretary of State John Gale says nearly 10,000 people have voted early so far. That number includes those who have voted in person at their county election offices and those who have voted by mail.
Early voting began April 7. Of the ballots cast during the first 10 days of early voting, 5,083 were from registered Republicans and 3,490 are from Democrats. Nearly 700 non-partisan voters have also cast ballots, while only five Libertarians have voted early in the state.
More than 38,500 Nebraskans have requested an early ballot for the May primary.
Early voting ballots that are mailed in must be received in county election offices by the time polls close on Election Day, May 13. That also holds true for ballots that are hand-delivered. They must be returned to the county election office by the time polls close.
In-person early voting can be done at local county election offices through the close of business on May 12.
Gale also notes that more than 8,000 registered voters have changed their party affiliation. Approximately 4,300 have changed to the Republican Party, more than 2,000 have become Independents and 1,300 have changed to the Democratic Party.
While he says it’s hard to know why a significant number of voters have changed their party affiliation to Republican since January, he says a crowded Republican field for Governor and U.S. Senate may be a factor.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Three former Atchison Co employees arrested on felonies
One hospitalized, one jailed, after Atchison attack
Fentanyl find nets four in two Atchison cases
Services set for Effingham woman killed in crash
Barricaded fugitive arrested in Jackson County
Two file to challenge local legislator
Fatal Atchison apt fire investigation continues
USD 415 board select new member
Support sought for fire ravaged family
U.S. 36 work in Doniphan Co to impact motorists
Four injured in Richardson Co rollover crash
Results from SE Nebraska contested Primary Elections
Date set for signals switch at Hiawatha intersection
Flags to fly half staff Wednesday across KS
Armed felon found, arrested, in Jackson Co
State Board approves land transfer agreements
Memorial Day enforcement hits KS roads
LATEST STORIES
Four injured in Richardson Co rollover crash
Tuition increase by KU, others in state
KS grad requirements updated after two decades.
Fentanyl find nets four in two Atchison cases
Armed felon found, arrested, in Jackson Co
Support sought for fire ravaged family
Potts first to file for Sheriff's seat in Atchison Co
Senator Slama won't endorse candidate in legislative race
Local author brings "Broken and Chained" to Falls City Saturday
RELATED STORIES
Additional mail-in precincts approved in Richardson Co
Two incumbents file for election in Falls City
Two file for re-election in Richardson County
Holt and Atchison County MO election results
Holt CO MO primary election results
Falls City Mayor Candidate Interviews