Lancaster County Election Commissioner Todd Wiltgen is urging voters still holding early ballots to return them through secure drop boxes rather than risk mailing them too late for the Nov. 3 general election.
About 35,000 of the 45,500 early ballots issued had been returned through Tuesday, Oct. 27, leaving approximately 10,500 outstanding. Wiltgen tells KLIN News voters should act promptly. “I would advise them to promptly return their ballots and not return them by mail. It’s too late at this point.”
Ballots must be received by 8 p.m. Election Day to count. Wiltgen said all five county drop boxes will accept ballots until that deadline, when election teams will retrieve them.
Secure drop boxes are located at:
- Election Commission, 601 N. 46th St.
- Anderson Branch Library, 3635 Touzalin Ave.
- Eiseley Branch Library, 1530 Superior St.
- Gere Branch Library, 2400 S. 56th St.
- Walt Branch Library, 6701 S. 14th St.
The boxes are monitored by video surveillance and emptied daily by two election officials of differing parties.
Wiltgen also reminded voters to sign their return envelopes and include their completed ballots. “Make sure that the envelope is signed by the voter. If it’s not signed, we cannot accept it,” he said.
Election officials must contact voters whose envelopes are unsigned and have them correct the problem by 8 p.m. election night. Returning ballots promptly gives voters more time to address an issue.
Lincoln voters should also check both ballot sheets. Wiltgen said the office has received calls from voters confused about the two-sheet ballot, which includes voting on both sides of the first sheet and the front of the second.
Early in-person voting continues at the Election Commission through 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2. Remaining extended hours are:
| Date | Hours |
|---|---|
| Thursday, Oct. 29 | 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
| Saturday, Oct. 31 | 9 a.m. to noon |
| Monday, Nov. 2 | 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
Voters should bring an acceptable photo ID. Wiltgen recommends visiting early in the morning or near closing to avoid the busiest periods. “Over the lunch hour, you may be waiting up to an hour in line to vote or retrieve an early vote ballot to take home with you,” he said.
Anyone whose physical condition limits their ability to stand should notify an election official upon arrival so accommodations can be made.
The deadline to request a ballot by mail has passed. Voters can still vote early at the office or at their regular polling place on Election Day. Agents may pick up ballots for voters at the Election Commission until 7 p.m. Election Day, but completed ballots must still be returned by 8 p.m.
Anyone who requested a mailed ballot but has not received it should contact the Election Commission at 402-441-7311.