The Superior Express -

In early May, Nebraska residents will held to the polls to cast their ballots in a statewide primary. However, the election will be conducted a bit differently than those of the recent past.

A new voter identification law will apply to the May 2024 primary.

Here are some important dates related to the election:

• January 5 — Candidate filing begins.

• January 15 — first day county election offices can accept early voting ballot requests.

• April 8 — County election offices begging mailing out early voting ballots

• April 15 — First Day to vote in person at the county election office at Nelson

• April 29 — Last day to register to vote online

• May 3 — Last day to register to vote in person at the county election office

Under the new voter identification law, registered voters must present a valid photo ID for their vote to count. Nebraskans can use any of the IDs listed below for voting:

• Nebraska driver’s license or state ID

• Nebraska college or university ID (public or private)

• Nebraska political subdivision ID

• Passport

• Military ID

• Tribal ID

• Hospital, assisted living facility, nursing home or any other skilled care facility record.

According to research conducted by the secretary of state’s office, more than 97 percent of Nebraskans have a Nebraska driver’s license or a Nebraska state ID. Either can be used under the state identification law.

People can get a free state ID for voting purposes from the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles. If the person was born in Nebraska and needs a certified copy of their Nebraska birth certified to get a free state ID they can contact the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. There is no charge for the certified document. However, a birth certificate is not a valid form of state ID when it comes to the election.

While some states issue a special voter ID, Nebraska does not.