The Nebraska Revised Statutes, specifically concerning election administration and voter participation, outline the procedures for ballot preparation and the handling of provisional ballots. When a voter’s eligibility is challenged at the polling place, election officials are instructed to offer a provisional ballot. This provisional ballot is cast in a manner that separates it from regular ballots and is later reviewed by the county board of election supervisors. The review process is crucial for determining if the voter was eligible to cast that ballot. Nebraska law, as found in statutes like Neb. Rev. Stat. § 32-843, details the conditions under which a provisional ballot can be counted. These conditions typically include resolving discrepancies in voter registration, verifying the voter’s identity, or confirming that the voter did not cast another ballot in the same election. The law emphasizes that provisional ballots are a safeguard to ensure that eligible voters are not disenfranchised due to administrative errors or minor eligibility questions that can be resolved post-casting. The timeline for this review is also statutorily defined, ensuring that decisions are made before the final canvass of votes. The fundamental principle is to allow for the correction of errors and the validation of votes cast by those who are ultimately determined to be eligible.

The scenario describes a situation where a newly elected county supervisor in Nebraska, Mr. Arvin, wishes to introduce a proposal for a new county ordinance. Nebraska law, specifically concerning county government and the legislative process, dictates the procedures for introducing and enacting ordinances. County boards in Nebraska operate under statutory authority granted by the state legislature. The process typically involves drafting the ordinance, presenting it for consideration at a public meeting, potentially referring it to a committee for review, holding a public hearing to gather input from residents, and finally voting on its adoption. The Nebraska Revised Statutes, particularly those governing counties (e.g., Chapter 23), outline these procedures. For a county ordinance to be legally enacted, it must follow the prescribed steps, which include public notice and a formal vote by the county board. The question tests the understanding of the procedural requirements for enacting local legislation within Nebraska’s county governance framework. The correct answer reflects the essential steps necessary for a proposal to become a legally binding county ordinance.

The Nebraska Legislature, in its role of establishing election procedures, has outlined specific requirements for the formation of legislative districts. Article III, Section 5 of the Nebraska Constitution mandates that the legislature be apportioned into districts of contiguous and as nearly equal in population as practicable. The redistricting process, typically occurring every ten years following the federal census, aims to ensure equal representation for all citizens. This process involves reviewing population data and adjusting district boundaries to reflect demographic shifts. The fundamental principle guiding this process is the “one person, one vote” doctrine, which necessitates that each legislative district contain a roughly equivalent number of inhabitants. The Secretary of State, in conjunction with the Legislative Council, plays a crucial role in preparing the redistricting plan, which must then be approved by the Legislature. Failure to adhere to these constitutional mandates can lead to legal challenges. The concept of contiguity ensures that a district is a single, unbroken geographical area, preventing the fragmentation of communities and promoting coherent representation. The principle of equal population, as interpreted by the Supreme Court, requires that deviations from the ideal district population be minimal.

In Nebraska, the process of initiating a ballot measure involves several key statutory requirements designed to ensure public awareness and prevent frivolous proposals. The Nebraska Constitution, Article III, Section 1, outlines the general power of the initiative, allowing citizens to propose laws and constitutional amendments. Nebraska Revised Statute §19-4001 and following sections detail the specific procedures. For a statutory initiative, a petition must be signed by at least five percent of the registered voters of the state, based on the total number of votes cast for Governor at the last general election. For a constitutional amendment initiative, the requirement is at least ten percent of the registered voters. The petitions must be filed with the Secretary of State. Crucially, before circulating for signatures, the proposed initiative measure must be submitted to the Attorney General for the preparation of a concise and accurate summary, and a ballot title. This summary and title are then reviewed by a three-member ballot question committee, which includes the Attorney General, the Clerk of the Legislature, and the Secretary of State, to ensure clarity and impartiality. The signature gathering period is limited to 90 days from the date the ballot title is finalized. Each signature must be accompanied by the signer’s address. The Secretary of State then verifies the signatures against the voter registration records. If the required number of valid signatures is met, the measure is placed on the ballot for voter consideration. The specific percentage calculations are based on the total votes cast for Governor in the most recent gubernatorial election, as per Nebraska election law. For example, if the total votes cast for Governor in the last election were 500,000, then a statutory initiative would require at least 25,000 valid signatures (5% of 500,000), and a constitutional amendment initiative would require at least 50,000 valid signatures (10% of 500,000). The calculation is straightforward: \( \text{Required Signatures} = \text{Percentage} \times \text{Total Votes for Governor} \).

The scenario describes a situation where a proposed amendment to the Nebraska Constitution is being circulated for signatures. The key legal principle at play is the requirement for petition circulators to be registered voters in Nebraska. Nebraska Revised Statute § 19-3437 mandates that individuals circulating initiative or referendum petitions must be registered voters within the state of Nebraska. This is a crucial safeguard to ensure that those directly involved in the petition process have a vested interest in the outcome and are subject to the state’s election laws. The statute does not differentiate based on the type of election (primary or general) or the specific geographic jurisdiction within Nebraska (county or state) for the circulator’s registration, as long as they are a registered voter in the state. Therefore, a circulator who is registered to vote in Douglas County is a registered voter in Nebraska and can legally circulate the petition. The fact that the proposed amendment concerns a statewide vote does not alter the circulator’s eligibility requirement, which is state-level voter registration.

The scenario describes a situation where a local initiative in Nebraska seeks to amend a city ordinance concerning campaign finance disclosure for local elections. Nebraska Revised Statute § 32-1217 addresses campaign finance reporting for state and federal offices but is less prescriptive for purely municipal elections, often deferring to local ordinances. However, the general principles of transparency and public access to information, foundational to Nebraska’s Law of Democracy, still apply. The initiative proposes requiring candidates for Mayor of a Nebraska city to file detailed financial reports of all contributions and expenditures exceeding \$100 within 48 hours of receipt or disbursement, with a public online portal for access. This aligns with the spirit of disclosure mandated at higher levels of government to prevent undue influence and ensure accountability. While the specific threshold and reporting timeframe are dictated by the initiative itself, the underlying legal principle being invoked is the state’s interest in regulating campaign finance to promote democratic integrity. The question probes the legal basis for such a local ordinance, considering the balance between local autonomy and the state’s overarching interest in fair elections. The Nebraska Political Accountability and Disclosure Act (NPADA), primarily found in Chapter 49, Article 14 of the Nebraska Revised Statutes, sets forth broad disclosure requirements for various political activities. While specific dollar thresholds and reporting periods can vary, the Act establishes the framework for transparency. A local ordinance that enhances these disclosure requirements for municipal elections, provided it does not conflict with state law or unduly burden the right to political participation, would generally be permissible under the state’s authority to ensure fair and transparent elections. The initiative’s focus on detailed financial reports and public access directly supports the democratic principle of an informed electorate. The key is that the local ordinance is *enhancing* disclosure, not creating a loophole or contravening existing state mandates. Therefore, the legal justification rests on the state’s inherent power to regulate elections for the public good, which includes ensuring transparency in campaign finance at all levels of government within Nebraska.

The question pertains to the Nebraska Revised Statutes concerning the disclosure of campaign finance information, specifically focusing on independent expenditures. Under Nebraska law, particularly concerning the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Act, entities making independent expenditures exceeding a certain threshold must disclose their activities. The threshold for reporting independent expenditures is typically set by statute to ensure transparency in political advertising and to inform the public about the sources of funding for political campaigns. For independent expenditures made within a certain number of days before an election, the reporting requirements are often more stringent and immediate. Nebraska law requires the filing of a report detailing the expenditure, the recipient of the expenditure, and the name of the person or committee making the expenditure. The specific amount of the threshold and the timing of the reporting are critical components of these disclosure requirements. In Nebraska, for independent expenditures made by a person or committee that are not coordinated with a candidate’s campaign, the reporting threshold is generally $1,000 or more in the aggregate within a reporting period. However, for expenditures made within 30 days of an election, the reporting requirement is triggered by any expenditure of $100 or more. This immediate reporting requirement is designed to provide timely information to voters about potentially influential political communications close to election day. Therefore, an independent expenditure of $500 made on October 20th, in an election held on November 5th, falls within this 30-day window and exceeds the $100 threshold, necessitating immediate disclosure. The disclosure must be filed with the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission.

The scenario involves the process of initiating a statewide ballot measure in Nebraska, specifically focusing on the signature gathering requirements and the role of county clerks. Nebraska Revised Statute §32-504 outlines the requirements for initiative and referendum petitions. For a statewide initiative, a number of signatures equal to at least ten percent of the votes cast for Governor at the last gubernatorial election is required. This number is then adjusted based on the number of counties in which signatures are collected. Specifically, signatures must be obtained from at least five percent of the registered voters in at least one-fifth of the counties in Nebraska. The question tests the understanding of this dual requirement: the overall percentage of votes cast for Governor and the distribution of signatures across counties. If the total number of signatures collected is 100,000, and the votes cast for Governor in the last election were 500,000, then ten percent of those votes would be 50,000. However, the statute also mandates that signatures must be collected from at least one-fifth of the counties (which is 11 out of 93 counties in Nebraska) with at least five percent of the registered voters in each of those counties signing the petition. The scenario implies that while the total number of signatures (100,000) exceeds the overall threshold (50,000), the county-level distribution requirement is not met because only 8 counties have met the five percent threshold. Therefore, the petition would be deemed insufficient due to the failure to meet the county distribution requirement, even if the total number of signatures is adequate. The question focuses on the legal sufficiency of the petition based on these statutory provisions.

The scenario describes a situation where a proposed initiative petition in Nebraska is being reviewed for its sufficiency. Nebraska law, specifically under the Nebraska Initiative and Referendum Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 19-4001 et seq.), outlines the process for these petitions. A key requirement for an initiative petition to be placed on the ballot is the collection of a sufficient number of valid signatures. The statute requires signatures from at least 5% of the registered voters in the state, based on the total number of votes cast for Governor in the most recent general election. In this case, the most recent gubernatorial election in Nebraska had 950,000 votes cast. The proposed initiative requires signatures from 5% of this total. Calculation: \(0.05 \times 950,000 = 47,500\) Therefore, 47,500 valid signatures are required. The petition submitted has 46,000 valid signatures. This is less than the required 47,500 signatures. Consequently, the petition is insufficient to qualify for the ballot. The explanation of why this is the case lies in the direct application of the statutory signature requirement. The law is clear on the percentage and the baseline election for determining that percentage. Any petition falling short of this threshold, regardless of the complexity of the issue or the number of signatures submitted, will not proceed to the ballot. This process ensures that only initiatives with broad support across the state can be considered for voter approval, reflecting a core principle of direct democracy in Nebraska.

The scenario describes a situation involving potential violations of Nebraska’s campaign finance disclosure laws, specifically concerning independent expenditures made by an unincorporated association. Nebraska Revised Statute § 32-1544 requires that any person or group making independent expenditures exceeding a certain threshold (which is adjusted for inflation and was \$5,000 for the 2022 election cycle) must file a statement of independent expenditure with the Secretary of State within 48 hours of the expenditure. This statement must include the name of the person or organization making the expenditure, the amount, the date, and the name of the candidate or ballot question supported or opposed. Furthermore, if the expenditure is made by an unincorporated association, the statement must also disclose the names and addresses of the principal officers of the association. The key element here is that the association is “unincorporated,” which triggers the additional disclosure requirement regarding its officers. Therefore, failing to disclose the principal officers, in addition to the expenditure details, constitutes a violation of the law. The calculation for the threshold is not directly relevant to determining the nature of the violation, but understanding that the expenditure exceeds a reporting threshold is crucial. The core issue is the specific disclosure requirement for unincorporated associations under Nebraska law.

The scenario involves a county clerk in Nebraska tasked with verifying signatures for a ballot initiative petition. Nebraska Revised Statute 32-804 outlines the requirements for petition signatures. Specifically, it mandates that each signature must be accompanied by the signer’s printed name, street address, and the date the signature was made. The clerk’s duty is to ensure compliance with these statutory provisions. The statute does not grant the clerk discretion to waive these requirements or to accept signatures that are incomplete in these specified areas. Therefore, a signature lacking the printed name, street address, or date of signing would be considered invalid under Nebraska law. The question tests the understanding of these specific requirements for petition validity as defined by state statute, emphasizing the clerk’s ministerial duty to enforce them. The core principle is that statutory requirements for petition signatures must be met for them to be counted towards the threshold needed for ballot access.

The Nebraska Revised Statutes, specifically Chapter 32, govern election procedures. When a candidate fails to meet the residency requirement for a particular office, such as the one-year residency in Nebraska prior to the general election for the office of Governor, the candidate is disqualified. This disqualification is a fundamental aspect of election law, ensuring that candidates have a genuine connection to the jurisdiction they seek to represent. The specific duration of residency is a statutory requirement, and failure to meet it renders the candidacy invalid, irrespective of other qualifications or the candidate’s intent. The process of challenging a candidacy based on residency typically involves a formal protest filed with the appropriate election official or a legal challenge in court, based on the provisions outlined in Nebraska election law. The outcome of such a challenge, if successful, would result in the removal of the candidate’s name from the ballot or the invalidation of their votes. The principle behind this requirement is to ensure that elected officials are rooted in the community they are elected to serve, fostering accountability and understanding of local issues.

The scenario describes a situation where a proposed ballot initiative in Nebraska seeks to amend the state constitution regarding campaign finance regulations. Specifically, the initiative aims to establish new limits on contributions and expenditures for state-level elections. In Nebraska, the process for amending the state constitution via initiative is governed by Article III, Section 1 of the Nebraska Constitution. This section outlines the requirements for initiative petitions, including the number of valid signatures needed. For a constitutional amendment, the petition must be signed by at least ten percent of the registered voters in the state. The number of registered voters is determined by the total number of votes cast in the preceding general election. In the given scenario, the preceding general election saw 1,200,000 votes cast. Therefore, the minimum number of signatures required is ten percent of 1,200,000. Calculation: Minimum Signatures = 10% of 1,200,000 Minimum Signatures = \(0.10 \times 1,200,000\) Minimum Signatures = \(120,000\) The question tests the understanding of the constitutional amendment process by initiative in Nebraska, focusing on the signature requirement. The correct answer is derived from applying the constitutional threshold to the specified number of votes cast in the preceding general election. This process ensures that proposed constitutional changes have broad support across the state’s electorate before being placed on the ballot. Understanding this foundational aspect of direct democracy in Nebraska is crucial for comprehending how citizens can directly influence the state’s governing framework. The initiative process is a significant element of Nebraska’s Law of Democracy, empowering citizens to propose and vote on legislation and constitutional amendments.

The scenario describes a situation where a proposed initiative petition in Nebraska is being reviewed for its compliance with state law regarding the format and content of such petitions. Specifically, the question probes understanding of the requirements for initiative petitions as outlined in the Nebraska Constitution and relevant statutes, such as those concerning the number of signatures, the form of the petition, and the subject matter. The correct answer hinges on identifying which of the provided statements accurately reflects a legal requirement or a common procedural aspect of initiative petitions in Nebraska. For instance, Nebraska Revised Statute § 35-117 outlines the form and content requirements for initiative petitions, including specific language that must be included on each signature sheet and provisions for the affidavit of the circulator. It also specifies that each petition must be signed by registered voters of the state and that the proposed measure must be a single subject. The question tests the ability to discern a legally mandated element from a plausible but incorrect assertion about petition requirements.

The scenario involves a petition for a statewide ballot initiative in Nebraska concerning campaign finance regulations. Nebraska Revised Statute § 32-701 outlines the requirements for initiating a statewide ballot measure. Specifically, for a measure to be placed on the general election ballot, it must have signatures from at least 5% of the registered voters in the state, with at least 5% of the registered voters in each of at least one-fifth of the counties (i.e., 18 counties) signing the petition. The question asks about the minimum number of counties that must contribute signatures to meet the county-level distribution requirement. To satisfy the condition of “at least one-fifth of the counties,” we first determine the total number of counties in Nebraska. As of recent data, Nebraska has 93 counties. Calculating one-fifth of 93: \(93 \text{ counties} \times \frac{1}{5} = 18.6 \text{ counties}\). Since a fraction of a county cannot contribute signatures, the statute requires that signatures must be obtained from at least the next whole number of counties, which is 19. Therefore, a minimum of 19 counties must have at least 5% of their registered voters sign the petition for it to qualify for the statewide ballot. This ensures broad geographic support across the state, a fundamental principle in Nebraska’s direct democracy laws to prevent measures from being enacted solely based on concentrated support in a few populous areas. The total signature requirement is separate from this county distribution rule.

The scenario presented involves a county clerk in Nebraska receiving a petition for a local ballot initiative. The key legal framework governing this process in Nebraska is found in the state’s statutes concerning initiative and referendum. Specifically, Nebraska Revised Statute §19-4001 et seq. outlines the procedures for local option elections, which include the requirements for initiating such measures through petitions. The statute mandates that a petition must be signed by at least 10% of the registered voters in the political subdivision affected. In this case, the political subdivision is a village. Therefore, to determine the validity of the petition, the county clerk must verify that the number of valid signatures collected meets or exceeds this 10% threshold of the village’s registered voters. The explanation does not involve a calculation because the question is about the legal standard, not the specific number of signatures required for this hypothetical village. The core concept being tested is the understanding of the signature threshold for local initiative petitions in Nebraska, as stipulated by state law for local option elections. This requires knowledge of the percentage of registered voters needed to qualify a petition for the ballot, ensuring that the proposed measure has sufficient demonstrated public support within the affected jurisdiction. The clerk’s role is to ensure compliance with these statutory requirements before certifying the petition for placement on the ballot.

Nebraska Revised Statute 32-1005 outlines the requirements for filing a recount petition. Specifically, it states that a recount petition must be filed within a certain timeframe after the election results are certified. The statute requires that the petition be accompanied by a filing fee. For a statewide recount, the fee is set at \$500. For a recount of a senatorial district, the fee is \$250. For a recount of any other district, the fee is \$100. In this scenario, the recount is for a senatorial district. Therefore, the correct filing fee is \$250. The law emphasizes the importance of timely and fee-compliant filings to ensure the integrity and procedural correctness of the recount process in Nebraska elections. Understanding these specific fees and deadlines is crucial for any candidate or group seeking a recount under Nebraska election law.

The scenario describes a situation where a proposed initiative in Nebraska seeks to amend the state constitution. The question revolves around the procedural requirements for such an amendment. Nebraska’s constitution, specifically Article XV, Section 1, outlines the process for constitutional amendments initiated by the people. This process requires a certain number of signatures from registered voters, which is a percentage of the total votes cast in the preceding general election for a statewide office. For an initiative to be placed on the ballot, it must be signed by a number of voters equal to at least ten percent of the total votes cast for Governor in the most recent gubernatorial election. The explanation focuses on this specific constitutional provision. The calculation is conceptual, representing the threshold for valid signatures. If, for instance, 500,000 votes were cast for Governor in the last election, the required signatures would be \(0.10 \times 500,000 = 50,000\). The core concept tested is the signature threshold for citizen-initiated constitutional amendments in Nebraska, as stipulated by Article XV, Section 1 of the Nebraska Constitution. This provision ensures that proposed changes have broad support from the electorate before they can be considered for a vote. The explanation details this requirement, emphasizing the percentage of votes cast for a specific statewide office in the preceding general election. It also touches upon the broader principles of direct democracy and the role of citizen initiatives in shaping state law and governance, as permitted within the framework of Nebraska’s democratic processes. The explanation is designed to provide context and reinforce the understanding of the legal and procedural mechanisms governing constitutional amendments in the state.

The scenario involves a county in Nebraska that wishes to adopt a new method for selecting its election commissioners, moving away from the statutory appointment process outlined in Nebraska Revised Statute §32-103. The question probes the legal authority of a county to unilaterally alter such a fundamental aspect of election administration that is governed by state law. Nebraska’s election laws are established by the Legislature and are designed to ensure uniformity and standardization across all counties to maintain the integrity and fairness of the electoral process. While counties have certain home rule powers under Article III, Section 18 of the Nebraska Constitution, these powers are generally limited to matters of local concern and do not extend to overriding state statutes concerning the administration of elections, which is a matter of statewide concern. Therefore, a county cannot independently create a new selection method for election commissioners if it conflicts with or attempts to circumvent the existing state-mandated appointment process. Such an action would likely be challenged and invalidated as an unconstitutional infringement on the state’s authority over election administration. The correct approach for a county to propose changes to election commissioner selection would involve seeking legislative action or ensuring any local ordinance aligns with and does not contradict state law.

The scenario describes a situation where a proposed initiative petition in Nebraska is being challenged based on the number of signatures collected. Nebraska Revised Statute § 32-1406 governs the sufficiency of signatures for initiative petitions. This statute requires that signatures for an initiative petition proposing a constitutional amendment must be signed by at least ten percent of the registered voters in the state, and for an initiative petition proposing a statutory change, at least five percent of the registered voters. The statute further specifies that these signatures must be obtained from at least one-fifth of the counties in Nebraska. In this case, the petition proposes a statutory change, thus requiring signatures from at least five percent of registered voters statewide. The total number of registered voters in Nebraska is 1,200,000. Therefore, the minimum number of valid signatures required is \(0.05 \times 1,200,000 = 60,000\). Additionally, the signatures must be obtained from at least one-fifth of Nebraska’s 93 counties. One-fifth of 93 counties is \(93 / 5 = 18.6\), which rounds up to 19 counties. The petition submitted has 65,000 signatures, which meets the statewide percentage requirement. However, the signatures were collected from only 15 counties. Since the petition fails to meet the minimum county requirement of 19 counties, it is insufficient. The core principle tested here is the dual requirement for signature sufficiency in Nebraska initiative petitions: a statewide percentage of registered voters AND a distribution of signatures across a minimum number of counties. Failure to meet either prong renders the petition invalid.

The question pertains to the process of challenging election results in Nebraska, specifically focusing on the legal framework governing recounts. Nebraska Revised Statute 32-1116 outlines the procedures for demanding a recount. A recount can be requested if the margin of victory is within a specified percentage of the total votes cast for the office. For statewide offices, this threshold is typically one-half of one percent. For other offices, the threshold can be up to two percent. The statute also specifies that a written demand for a recount must be filed with the appropriate election official within a defined timeframe after the election results are certified. This demand must be accompanied by a deposit to cover the estimated costs of the recount, as determined by the election official. The deposit amount is calculated based on the number of precincts or voting districts involved. Therefore, the key legal requirements for initiating a recount in Nebraska involve meeting the vote margin threshold, filing a timely written demand, and providing the required deposit.

No calculation is required for this question as it tests conceptual understanding of election administration and legal frameworks in Nebraska. The scenario presented involves a county clerk in Nebraska facing a situation where a significant number of provisional ballots were cast due to an administrative error. Nebraska law, specifically concerning election administration and voter rights, outlines procedures for handling such situations. When a voter’s eligibility is in question at the polls and they are permitted to cast a provisional ballot, state law dictates the process for verifying these ballots. This typically involves reviewing the voter’s registration status and comparing the information provided on the provisional ballot envelope with the official voter registration records. The Nebraska Election Commissioner or the County Clerk, acting as the county election official, is responsible for conducting this verification. The law emphasizes that provisional ballots should be counted if the voter is later determined to be eligible and properly registered according to state statutes. The core principle is to ensure that eligible voters are not disenfranchised due to administrative errors, while also maintaining the integrity of the election process. The correct course of action involves a thorough review of each provisional ballot against the state’s voter registration database and election laws.

Nebraska’s election laws, particularly concerning ballot access for independent and minor party candidates, are governed by specific statutes. The threshold for an independent candidate to appear on the general election ballot in Nebraska is set by statute. This threshold is typically a percentage of the votes cast in the preceding general election for a particular office, or a fixed number of signatures. For statewide offices, such as Governor or U.S. Senator, the requirement is often based on a percentage of the total votes cast for the plurality winner of the most recent gubernatorial election. For the purpose of this question, let’s assume the preceding general election for Governor in Nebraska saw 1,000,000 votes cast in total, and the winning candidate received 500,000 votes. Nebraska Revised Statute §32-624 specifies that an independent candidate for a statewide office must file a petition with signatures equal to at least one percent of the total votes cast for the office of Governor at the preceding general election. Therefore, to calculate the required number of signatures: Required Signatures = 1% of Total Votes Cast for Governor in the Preceding Election Required Signatures = 0.01 * 1,000,000 Required Signatures = 10,000 This means an independent candidate seeking to appear on the statewide ballot in Nebraska would need to gather at least 10,000 valid signatures. This process is distinct from the primary election process for partisan candidates and reflects Nebraska’s approach to ensuring a certain level of demonstrated support for non-affiliated candidates to qualify for the general election ballot. The purpose of such requirements is to balance the desire for broad ballot access with the need to prevent frivolous candidacies and ensure that candidates have a reasonable base of support. The specific number of signatures can vary based on the office sought and the election cycle.

The question revolves around the concept of legislative redistricting in Nebraska and the constitutional provisions that govern it. Specifically, it probes the understanding of how the unicameral legislature is structured and the implications for electoral district boundaries. Nebraska’s unique unicameral system, established by the adoption of the Non-icameral Legislature Act in 1934 and later codified in Article III, Section 1 of the Nebraska Constitution, has 49 members elected on a nonpartisan basis. Article III, Section 5 of the Nebraska Constitution mandates that legislative districts be contiguous, as nearly equal in population as practicable, and that the boundaries of districts shall not be altered unless a federal census has been taken and the same has been published. The redistricting process must occur within the year following the year in which the federal census is taken. This process is crucial for ensuring equal representation for all citizens. The core principle is that each district should represent a similar number of people, reflecting the “one person, one vote” principle derived from Supreme Court rulings. The Nebraska Legislature itself is responsible for drawing these new district boundaries following each decennial census, a process that can be politically charged. The constitutional requirement for contiguous districts means that each district must be a single, unbroken geographic area. The “as nearly equal in population as practicable” clause allows for minor deviations, but significant disparities are unconstitutional. The timing of redistricting is tied directly to the federal census, ensuring that representation is updated based on population shifts. The nonpartisan nature of Nebraska’s legislative elections influences how districts are drawn, as partisan advantage is not the explicit goal, though population equality remains paramount.

The scenario describes a situation where a proposed ballot initiative in Nebraska aims to amend the state constitution regarding campaign finance regulations. Specifically, it seeks to establish stricter limits on individual contributions to state-level political campaigns and introduce public financing options. Nebraska Revised Statute § 32-1205 outlines the requirements for initiatives and referendums, including the number of valid signatures required from registered voters. For a constitutional amendment initiative to qualify for the ballot, it must receive signatures equal to at least ten percent of the total votes cast for Governor at the last general election. The question asks about the minimum number of signatures needed. The most recent general election prior to the potential ballot measure would be the 2022 general election. In Nebraska, the total votes cast for Governor in the 2022 general election were 815,589. Therefore, ten percent of this figure is \(0.10 \times 815,589 = 81,558.9\). Since the number of signatures must be a whole number, it must be rounded up to the nearest whole number to ensure at least the required percentage is met. Thus, the minimum number of valid signatures required is 81,559. This process reflects the constitutional safeguard to ensure broad public support for proposed changes to the state’s fundamental law, as mandated by Article III, Section 2 of the Nebraska Constitution and further detailed in state statutes governing initiative and referendum processes. Understanding these statutory requirements and their application to specific election data is crucial for evaluating the viability of ballot measures in Nebraska.

The scenario involves a proposed amendment to the Nebraska Constitution concerning campaign finance regulations. In Nebraska, constitutional amendments can be proposed by the Legislature or through the initiative process. For a legislative proposal, it requires a three-fourths majority vote of the Legislature to be placed on the ballot. For an initiative petition, a certain number of valid signatures from registered voters is required. The number of signatures needed is a percentage of the total votes cast in the last gubernatorial election. Specifically, for a constitutional amendment, Nebraska Revised Statute § 32-1406 requires signatures equal to at least ten percent of the total votes cast for governor at the preceding general election. The question asks about the minimum number of signatures required for a constitutional amendment initiated by petition. Assuming the last gubernatorial election in Nebraska had 750,000 total votes cast for governor, the calculation would be: 10% of 750,000 = 0.10 * 750,000 = 75,000 signatures. This number represents the minimum threshold to qualify the initiated amendment for placement on the statewide ballot for voter consideration. The core concept tested is the signature requirement for initiated constitutional amendments in Nebraska, as stipulated by state law, and how that percentage is applied to a given election result. Understanding the distinction between legislative and initiative proposals is also crucial, as is knowing the specific percentage and the base election for calculation.

Nebraska Revised Statute 32-1304 outlines the requirements for a candidate to be placed on the ballot for a partisan primary election. Specifically, it details the number of valid signatures required from registered voters of the candidate’s political party. For a statewide office, such as Governor or U.S. Senator, the statute mandates that a candidate must submit a petition with signatures from at least one percent of the total votes cast in the preceding general election for that office. If the office is not statewide but is a district office, the requirement is at least ten percent of the total votes cast in the preceding general election for that office within the district. The question asks about a candidate for the Nebraska State Legislature, which is a unicameral body with districts. Therefore, the relevant provision is the one pertaining to district offices. The calculation involves finding ten percent of the votes cast for the relevant office in the preceding general election. Assuming the preceding general election for the State Legislature seat in District 15 saw 15,000 votes cast for that specific legislative position, the calculation would be \(0.10 \times 15,000 = 1,500\). This means 1,500 valid signatures from registered voters of the candidate’s party within District 15 are required. The explanation focuses on the statutory basis for ballot access requirements in Nebraska for partisan primary elections, specifically addressing the signature thresholds for different types of offices as defined in Nebraska law. It emphasizes the distinction between statewide and district offices and the calculation method for determining the required number of signatures based on preceding election results. Understanding these provisions is crucial for comprehending the practical steps involved in electoral participation and the legal framework governing ballot access in Nebraska, particularly for candidates seeking to represent specific geographic areas within the state.

The scenario presented involves a candidate in Nebraska who wishes to run for a state legislative seat. Nebraska law dictates specific requirements for a candidate to appear on the ballot for a partisan primary election. According to Nebraska Revised Statute §32-611, a candidate for a partisan office must file a petition with a certain number of valid signatures from registered voters of the candidate’s political party. For a state legislative office, the statute requires signatures from at least one percent of the registered voters of the candidate’s party in the state, or 100 signatures, whichever is less. In this case, the candidate is running for a state legislative seat in District 25, which is entirely within Nebraska. The candidate’s political party has 5,000 registered voters statewide. One percent of 5,000 is \(0.01 \times 5000 = 50\). Since 50 is less than 100, the minimum number of signatures required is 50. The candidate collected 65 signatures. Therefore, the candidate has met the minimum signature requirement for their party. The question asks about the *validity* of the candidate’s filing based on the signature requirement for partisan primary elections in Nebraska. The candidate has provided 65 signatures, which exceeds the calculated minimum of 50. This means the candidate has satisfied the statutory signature threshold.

In Nebraska, the process of initiating a constitutional amendment through the popular initiative process is governed by specific constitutional provisions and statutes. Article III, Section 1 of the Nebraska Constitution establishes the people’s right to propose and enact laws and constitutional amendments through the initiative. Nebraska Revised Statute §32-1403 outlines the requirements for the format of initiative petitions. Specifically, it mandates that the petition shall be printed on paper of a specified size and that each signer shall state their residential address. Furthermore, the law requires that the petition clearly state the full text of the proposed amendment or law. The Nebraska Secretary of State is responsible for certifying whether the proposed initiative meets these statutory requirements, including the clarity of the text and the adherence to formatting rules. For a constitutional amendment initiative to be placed on the ballot, it must gather a sufficient number of valid signatures, which is a percentage of the votes cast in the preceding general election for the office of Governor, as stipulated in Article III, Section 1 of the Nebraska Constitution. This signature threshold is a critical procedural hurdle. The question focuses on the procedural requirements for the petition itself, as defined by statute, rather than the signature gathering or election process. Therefore, the correct response must reflect the statutory mandate concerning the petition’s format and content clarity as overseen by the Secretary of State.

The Nebraska Legislature, under Article III, Section 18 of the state constitution, has the authority to enact laws. However, this power is not absolute and is subject to constitutional limitations and the will of the people expressed through various democratic mechanisms. One such mechanism is the referendum, which allows citizens to approve or reject laws passed by the legislature. Nebraska Revised Statutes § 32-701 et seq. govern the process for initiating and conducting referendums. For a referendum to be placed on the ballot, a specific number of signatures from registered voters must be collected within a defined timeframe following the adjournment of the legislative session. The number of signatures required is calculated as a percentage of the total votes cast in the preceding general election for the office of Governor. Specifically, for a statewide referendum, the number of valid signatures must equal at least five percent of the total votes cast for Governor in the most recent general election. This ensures that a proposed referendum has broad support from the electorate before it is submitted for a statewide vote. The process is designed to balance legislative authority with direct citizen participation in governance, a cornerstone of representative democracy.