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Nebraska elections in 2026

This page lists Nebraska statewide election dates, voter registration deadlines, absentee and early voting timelines, poll hours, and official election resources.

At a glance​

Register to vote in Nebraska​

Start with the official Nebraska voter registration page. The section below highlights registration methods and the deadlines tied to the next statewide election on this page.

Nebraska voters may register online, by mail, or in person. Registration deadlines may vary by election type or method where noted.

Upcoming registration deadlines​

  • October 16, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: Mailed-in voter registration ends the 3rd Friday before the election - §32-321. Voter Registration Applications are available at several locations throughout the state, including banks, post offices and libraries.
  • October 16, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline Online: Online voter registration ends the 3rd Friday before the election - §32-304. Please have your driver's license or state identification card available before you begin this application. To vote at the polling place on Election Day, the completed application must be submitted on or before the third Friday before the election.
  • October 20, 2026 — Mail-in Voter Registration Deadline: Last day to accept a mail-in voter registration with an illegible postmark.
  • October 23, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline In Person: In-Person voter registration ends the 2nd Friday before any election. You may register in person at the local County Clerk/Election Commissioner’s office during normal business hours.

Online​

Online voter registration ends the 3rd Friday before the election - §32-304. Please have your driver's license or state identification card available before you begin this application. To vote at the polling place on Election Day, the completed application must be submitted on or before the third Friday before the election.

Eligibility or requirements

  • Must meet state voter registration eligibility requirements.

Deadlines

By Mail​

Mailed-in voter registration ends the 3rd Friday before the election - §32-321. Voter Registration Applications are available at several locations throughout the state, including banks, post offices and libraries.

Deadlines

In Person​

In-Person voter registration ends the 2nd Friday before any election. You may register in person at the local County Clerk/Election Commissioner’s office during normal business hours.

Deadlines

Special registration options​

Military Overseas: Available

You may use the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), National Voter Registration Form or Nebraska Voter Registration Application.

Additional registration notes​

Other Registration Option

The National Mail Voter Registration Form may also be available where accepted.

Registration Status

Consider yourself registered when- and only when- you receive an acknowledgment from your county clerk. Never assume you are registered to vote until you have received this acknowledgment. Call your county clerk and inquire about the status of your application. Check your voter registration status online by visiting this site

Absentee and early voting in Nebraska​

These absentee and early voting deadlines are tied to the next statewide election listed on this page. Local procedures can vary, so confirm final details with your local election office.

  • October 3, 2026 — Sample Ballots Publication Deadline - All Mail-in Election: Last day to publish sample ballots in the newspaper for elections done entirely by mail.
  • October 5, 2026 — First day for early voting - in person - at the county clerk or election commissioner office.: Early voting starts no more than 30 days prior to each statewide primary or general election.
  • October 16, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: Mailed-in voter registration ends the 3rd Friday before the election - §32-321. Voter Registration Applications are available at several locations throughout the state, including banks, post offices and libraries.
  • October 20, 2026 — Mail-in Voter Registration Deadline: Last day to accept a mail-in voter registration with an illegible postmark.
  • October 23, 2026 — Early Voting Application Request Deadline: At 6 PM - last day to receive an application for early voting ballots to be mailed out to a specific address.
  • October 31, 2026 — Sample Ballots Publication Deadline: Last day to publish sample ballots in the newspaper, except for elections done entirely by mail.
  • November 2, 2026 — Early voting ends: Early voting ends the day before the Election Day.

Voter ID requirements in Nebraska​

Review the current voter ID rules before you vote: Nebraska voter ID requirements.

Nebraska election dates for 2026​

Primary Election — May 12, 2026​

Statewide and Federal primaries are held on the first Tuesday after the second Monday in May of each even-numbered year to select the nominees of the major political parties for partisan offices - NE ST 32-401

Important dates​

  • April 12, 2026 — Early voting begins: Early voting starts no more than 30 days prior to each statewide primary or general election. **Note: ** The original date is April 12, which is a Sunday. Please double check with your local election office if they have moved this date to Monday - April 13
  • April 24, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: Mailed-in voter registration ends the 3rd Friday before the election - §32-321. Voter Registration Applications are available at several locations throughout the state, including banks, post offices and libraries.
  • April 28, 2026 — Mail-In Voter Registration Deadline: Last day to accept a mail-in voter registration with an illegible postmark.
  • May 1, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline In Person: In-Person voter registration ends the 2nd Friday before any election. You may register in person at the local County Clerk/Election Commissioner’s office during normal business hours.
  • May 9, 2026 — Deadline to Publish Sample Ballot: Last day to publish sample ballots in the newspaper, except for elections done entirely by mail. §32-803
  • May 11, 2026 — Early voting ends: Early voting ends the day before the Election Day.

General Election — November 3, 2026​

November General election is held the Tuesday after the first Monday of November

Important dates​

  • October 3, 2026 — Sample Ballots Publication Deadline - All Mail-in Election: Last day to publish sample ballots in the newspaper for elections done entirely by mail.
  • October 5, 2026 — First day for early voting - in person - at the county clerk or election commissioner office.: Early voting starts no more than 30 days prior to each statewide primary or general election.
  • October 16, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: Mailed-in voter registration ends the 3rd Friday before the election - §32-321. Voter Registration Applications are available at several locations throughout the state, including banks, post offices and libraries.
  • October 16, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline Online: Online voter registration ends the 3rd Friday before the election - §32-304. Please have your driver's license or state identification card available before you begin this application. To vote at the polling place on Election Day, the completed application must be submitted on or before the third Friday before the election.
  • October 20, 2026 — Mail-in Voter Registration Deadline: Last day to accept a mail-in voter registration with an illegible postmark.
  • October 23, 2026 — Early Voting Application Request Deadline: At 6 PM - last day to receive an application for early voting ballots to be mailed out to a specific address.
  • October 23, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline In Person: In-Person voter registration ends the 2nd Friday before any election. You may register in person at the local County Clerk/Election Commissioner’s office during normal business hours.
  • October 31, 2026 — Sample Ballots Publication Deadline: Last day to publish sample ballots in the newspaper, except for elections done entirely by mail.
  • November 2, 2026 — Early voting ends: Early voting ends the day before the Election Day.

Official Nebraska election resources​

Use these official and state-specific resources to confirm dates, registration rules, absentee voting requirements, voter ID rules, and local procedures.

What may vary locally​

Election dates, voter registration deadlines, early voting, absentee voting, and voting hours apply to statewide elections in most cases. However, Check with your Town Clerk for the hours of voting, and voter registration deadlines as they vary by town. Please be advised that these dates are updated regularly but are subject to scheduling changes at the local level.