Nebraska law, specifically Revised Statutes of Nebraska § 32-1302, outlines the procedures for challenging election results. A candidate or registered voter in Nebraska can initiate a contest of election. The grounds for such a contest are enumerated in the statute, including alleged irregularities in the conduct of the election, issues with the counting of ballots, or disputes regarding the eligibility of a candidate. The process requires filing a petition with the appropriate district court within a specified timeframe after the election results are officially declared. This petition must detail the specific grounds for the challenge and name the necessary parties, which typically include the election officials and any opposing candidates. The court then sets a hearing, and evidence is presented to determine if the alleged irregularities materially affected the outcome of the election. If the court finds that the election was not conducted in accordance with the law and that the irregularities were substantial enough to change the result, it can order a new election or amend the results. The statute also addresses the security of ballots and voting machines, emphasizing their importance in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process. The specific timeframe for filing a contest is crucial, as failure to adhere to it can result in the dismissal of the challenge. This legal framework is designed to provide a mechanism for addressing legitimate concerns about election fairness and accuracy while preventing frivolous challenges.

In Nebraska, the process for certifying candidates for partisan offices is governed by specific statutes. For primary elections, candidates seeking to appear on the ballot must file a nominating petition or a filing fee with the appropriate election official. The deadline for filing these documents is crucial. According to Nebraska Revised Statute § 32-504, the filing deadline for candidates in a primary election is the first Wednesday in March preceding the primary election. This date is a firm deadline, and late filings are generally not accepted. The question asks about the deadline for a candidate to file for a partisan office in Nebraska for a primary election. Therefore, the correct answer is the first Wednesday in March. This deadline is designed to provide election officials sufficient time to prepare ballots, verify candidate eligibility, and conduct other necessary election preparations. Understanding these statutory deadlines is fundamental for any candidate seeking to participate in Nebraska’s electoral process and for election administrators to ensure the integrity and efficiency of elections. The specific day of the week, Wednesday, is also a key detail within the statute.

The scenario describes a situation where a candidate for a state legislative office in Nebraska has recently moved from another state. Nebraska Revised Statute §32-503 establishes residency requirements for candidates. Specifically, it mandates that a candidate for a legislative district must have resided within that district for at least one year immediately preceding the date of the primary election. The question probes the understanding of this specific residency requirement. The candidate in the scenario moved into the legislative district 11 months before the primary election. Therefore, the candidate does not meet the one-year residency requirement for the legislative district. The analysis focuses on the temporal aspect of the residency as stipulated by Nebraska law for state legislative candidates. This statute is crucial for ensuring that candidates have a demonstrated connection to the communities they seek to represent, fostering accountability and local understanding. The duration of residency is a critical factor in determining eligibility, and failing to meet this statutory minimum disqualifies an individual from appearing on the primary ballot for that specific district.

Nebraska Revised Statute 32-1307 outlines the procedures for handling absentee ballots. Specifically, it details the requirements for the absentee ballot envelope, including the voter’s signature and address. Upon receipt, the county election official must compare the signature on the absentee ballot envelope with the signature on the voter’s application for an absentee ballot. This comparison is a critical step in verifying the voter’s identity and ensuring the integrity of the election process. If the signatures are not deemed to be sufficiently similar by the election official, the ballot may be challenged. The statute also provides for a process by which the voter can be notified and given an opportunity to cure any deficiencies, such as a missing signature, before the ballot is rejected. The correct response reflects this signature verification requirement as a primary step in processing absentee ballots.

Nebraska Revised Statute 32-1301 defines the process for filling a vacancy in a partisan office. If a vacancy occurs in a partisan office and the office is to be filled by election, the vacancy is to be filled by appointment until the next general election. At that general election, the voters of the state or political subdivision shall elect a successor to fill the remainder of the term. For a vacancy in a partisan office, the vacancy committee of the political party of the vacating officer is responsible for nominating candidates to fill the vacancy by appointment. The political party’s state central committee or county central committee, as appropriate, shall fill the vacancy by appointment. This appointment is crucial because it maintains continuity of government until the electorate can make a final decision at the ballot box. The specific committee responsible for the appointment depends on the level of the office. For state offices, it’s the state central committee; for county offices, it’s the county central committee. The statute outlines the procedures for calling meetings and making nominations to ensure a timely and proper appointment.

The scenario describes a situation where a candidate for county commissioner in Douglas County, Nebraska, has made a written request to the county clerk for a list of registered voters. The request specifies that the list should include the voter’s name, address, and political party affiliation, and that it should be provided in a digital format. Nebraska Revised Statute §32-420 outlines the provisions for furnishing lists of registered voters. This statute permits the furnishing of voter lists to candidates, political parties, and other specific entities for lawful purposes. The statute also specifies the information that can be included on these lists, generally name, address, and party affiliation. Critically, it allows for the format to be specified by the requester, provided the county clerk has the capability to produce it in that format. Therefore, if the county clerk in Douglas County possesses the technical capability to generate the requested voter list in a digital format, and the request otherwise complies with the statutory requirements for content and purpose, the clerk is obligated to fulfill it. The statute does not impose a general prohibition on providing digital lists, nor does it limit the format to only paper copies. The core principle is the availability of the information for legitimate election-related activities.

The scenario describes a situation where a candidate for a state legislative office in Nebraska, who is also a registered lobbyist, wishes to use campaign funds for expenses directly related to their lobbying activities, such as attending a conference specifically focused on legislative policy that they actively lobby on. Nebraska Revised Statute §49-1476(1) and §49-1476(10) of the Political Accountability and Disclosure Act govern the use of campaign funds. Specifically, §49-1476(1) generally permits campaign funds to be used for expenses incurred in connection with the candidate’s campaign for public office. However, §49-1476(10) explicitly prohibits the use of campaign funds for personal use or for expenses that would exist irrespective of the candidate’s campaign or public office. Lobbying activities, while potentially overlapping with legislative interests, are distinct from campaign activities and are governed by separate regulations. Using campaign funds to cover expenses that are primarily for the purpose of influencing legislation, even if those expenses also provide information relevant to a potential campaign, would constitute an impermissible commingling of campaign and lobbying expenditures. The key distinction lies in the primary purpose of the expenditure. If the expense is for the direct advancement of lobbying efforts, it cannot be paid for with campaign funds. Therefore, the candidate cannot use campaign funds for expenses directly related to their lobbying activities.

Nebraska Revised Statute 32-1301 defines “precinct committeeman” and “precinct committeewoman” as officers of a political party elected at the primary election. These individuals are responsible for representing their precinct and promoting the party’s interests. The statute outlines their duties, including participating in county party conventions and assisting in party organization. The election of these precinct officers is a fundamental aspect of party self-governance within the state’s election framework. The primary election serves as the mechanism for selecting these key party functionaries, ensuring that local party leadership is chosen by registered party members. This process is distinct from the election of partisan officeholders and focuses on the internal structure and operational capacity of political parties at the grassroots level in Nebraska.

In Nebraska, the process for a candidate to be placed on the ballot for a partisan office involves several key steps and deadlines. For a candidate seeking to run in a primary election, the filing period is crucial. Candidates must file a nominating petition or a statement of intention, along with a filing fee, with the appropriate election official. The specific deadline for filing is set by statute and is typically a certain number of days before the primary election. For the primary election held in May, the filing deadline is generally the first Wednesday in March. This deadline ensures that election officials have sufficient time to prepare ballots, verify signatures on petitions if applicable, and conduct other necessary administrative tasks before the election. Failure to meet this deadline would mean the candidate cannot appear on the primary ballot for that election cycle. The filing fee is also a statutory requirement, the amount of which varies depending on the office sought. This fee helps to deter frivolous candidacies and contribute to the costs of administering elections. The candidate must be a registered voter in the district or precinct where they are seeking office and meet other eligibility requirements as defined by Nebraska law, such as age and residency.

Nebraska Revised Statute 32-1301 defines “precinct committeeman” and “precinct committeewoman” as individuals elected by registered voters of a political party within a precinct to represent that party. These elected precinct officials are central to party organization at the local level. Their primary roles include organizing party activities within their precinct, promoting party platforms, and serving as delegates to county conventions. The election of precinct committeemen and committeewomen occurs during the primary election. Candidates for these positions must be registered voters within the precinct they seek to represent and must be affiliated with the political party whose voters elect them. The statute also outlines the process for filing as a candidate, including the requirement of a filing fee or a petition signed by a specified number of registered voters of the party in the precinct. The number of signatures required is typically a small percentage of the party’s registered voters in the precinct, ensuring accessibility for candidates while maintaining a degree of community support. The term for these elected officials is typically four years, aligning with the state’s election cycle. Their responsibilities are crucial for grassroots party engagement and the selection of delegates for higher-level party bodies, thereby influencing the broader political landscape of Nebraska.

In Nebraska, the process for challenging the validity of an election result or specific ballots is governed by statutes that outline the grounds for contest and the procedural requirements. A candidate or elector must demonstrate a specific legal basis for the challenge, rather than mere suspicion or a desire for a recount without cause. The Nebraska Revised Statutes, particularly those concerning election contests, specify that a contest can be initiated on grounds such as malconduct or fraud, or if the election returns are alleged to be erroneous. However, a simple difference in vote counts or the discovery of a few irregular ballots does not automatically invalidate an election unless it can be proven that such irregularities materially affected the outcome. The burden of proof rests on the contestant to show that the alleged malconduct, fraud, or error did indeed change the result of the election. This requires presenting evidence that connects the specific issues raised to a quantifiable impact on the final tally. For instance, if a precinct’s ballots were improperly handled, the contestant must show how this improper handling led to a miscount that altered the outcome for a particular office or ballot question. Simply asserting that ballots were mishandled is insufficient without demonstrating the causal link to a changed result. The legal framework in Nebraska emphasizes the finality of election results unless significant, outcome-determinative irregularities are proven. Therefore, a challenge based on a perceived lack of uniformity in ballot marking or the presence of stray marks, without evidence of systemic error or intentional manipulation that altered the outcome, would not typically prevail under Nebraska election law. The focus is on the integrity of the overall election and whether the will of the voters, as expressed through the lawfully cast ballots, was accurately reflected.

Nebraska law, specifically under the Nebraska Election Act, outlines strict procedures for challenging election results. A candidate who wishes to contest the outcome of a statewide office election in Nebraska must file a petition with the appropriate district court. This petition must be accompanied by a sworn statement from at least three registered voters who voted in the election and attest to the belief that the election results are incorrect. The petition must also be accompanied by a filing fee, the amount of which is set by statute. The timeframe for filing such a petition is critical; it must be filed within a specific number of days after the election results are officially certified by the Nebraska Secretary of State. Failure to meet any of these procedural requirements, including the timely filing and the inclusion of the sworn statements and fee, will result in the dismissal of the election contest. The law aims to balance the right to challenge election outcomes with the need for finality and the prevention of frivolous litigation. The specific number of days for filing a contest petition after certification is a key detail to understand. For a statewide office, this period is generally 30 days after the results are officially declared.

The scenario describes a situation where a candidate for county commissioner in Douglas County, Nebraska, has been accused of violating campaign finance regulations by accepting a contribution exceeding the statutory limit from a political action committee. Nebraska Revised Statute §32-1538 outlines the limits for contributions to candidates for state and local offices. For candidates for county offices, the maximum allowable contribution from any person or political committee is \$1,000 per election. The candidate received \$1,500 from a PAC. Therefore, the contribution exceeds the legal limit by \$500. The statute also details penalties for such violations, which can include fines and, in severe cases, disqualification from holding office. The Secretary of State’s office is responsible for investigating alleged violations of election laws in Nebraska. The process typically involves a review of campaign finance reports, interviews, and potentially a hearing before any formal action is taken. The focus here is on the specific violation of exceeding the contribution limit and the appropriate administrative body for enforcement.

Nebraska Revised Statute § 32-1204 addresses the process for a candidate to withdraw their name from a primary election ballot. A candidate seeking to withdraw must file a written declaration of withdrawal with the Secretary of State. This declaration must be filed no later than the date established by the Secretary of State for the certification of primary election ballots to the county clerks. For the primary election held in even-numbered years, this certification deadline is typically the first Monday in April. Therefore, if a candidate wishes to withdraw, their written declaration must be received by the Secretary of State on or before the first Monday in April of that primary election year. This ensures that election officials have sufficient time to prepare accurate ballots without the candidate’s name.

The scenario describes a situation where a candidate for a county office in Nebraska fails to file a statutorily required campaign finance report. Nebraska Revised Statute § 32-1534 outlines the requirements for campaign finance reporting for candidates. Specifically, candidates are mandated to file reports detailing their campaign receipts and expenditures. Failure to file these reports, or filing them late, can result in penalties. The statute also provides a mechanism for waiving or reducing penalties under certain circumstances, such as a showing of good cause. The question asks about the legal consequence of failing to file. In Nebraska, the Secretary of State is generally responsible for administering election laws and enforcing campaign finance regulations. While the statute does not mandate automatic disqualification from the ballot for a first-time failure to file a campaign finance report, it does provide for penalties, which can include fines. The Secretary of State has the authority to assess these penalties. Therefore, the most appropriate legal consequence, considering the statutory framework, is the assessment of a penalty by the Secretary of State. The specific amount of the penalty would be determined by the Secretary of State based on the circumstances and the provisions of Nebraska Revised Statute § 32-1535, which details penalties for campaign finance violations. This statute allows for penalties up to \$1,000 for each violation. However, the question asks for the immediate legal consequence of the failure to file, which is the assessment of a penalty, not necessarily disqualification or a specific dollar amount without further process.

Nebraska Revised Statute §32-1306 addresses the procedures for challenging election results. Specifically, it outlines that a petition for a recount must be filed within a certain timeframe after the official results are declared. The statute also details the requirements for the petition itself, including the specific precincts or offices to be recounted and a statement of the grounds for the challenge. For a recount to be initiated, the petitioner must demonstrate a reasonable belief that errors occurred that could affect the outcome. The statute does not mandate a specific threshold of votes difference for a recount to be permissible, but rather focuses on the grounds for the challenge and the proper filing procedures. The filing of a petition for a recount is a formal legal process governed by these statutes, and adherence to its provisions is crucial for the petition to be considered valid. The Secretary of State or the appropriate county clerk is responsible for overseeing the recount process once a valid petition is filed.

The scenario describes a situation where a county clerk in Nebraska receives a petition for a local ballot measure. The Nebraska Revised Statutes, specifically Chapter 23, govern county powers and duties, and Chapter 32 pertains to elections. For a local initiative petition to be placed on the ballot, it must meet specific requirements outlined in Nebraska law. These include the number of valid signatures required, which is typically a percentage of the votes cast in the last general election for a particular office in that county. The clerk’s duty is to verify these signatures against the registered voter rolls. If the petition fails to meet the signature threshold or if there are significant irregularities in the petition format or submission, the clerk can reject it. The statute also allows for a period for correction if the defects are minor and curable. In this case, the petition was submitted with a number of signatures that, after verification, falls below the statutory requirement. The clerk’s action of rejecting the petition due to insufficient valid signatures is a direct application of their legal duty to ensure that only validly supported measures are placed on the ballot, protecting the integrity of the electoral process. The specific threshold is crucial, and if it’s not met, the petition is invalid for ballot inclusion.

In Nebraska, the process for challenging the validity of an election outcome is governed by specific statutes. A contestant seeking to contest an election must file a petition with the appropriate district court. This petition must clearly state the grounds for the contest, which typically involve allegations of fraud, malconduct, or errors in the casting or counting of ballots that materially affected the outcome. The filing deadline for such a petition is crucial. Nebraska Revised Statute §32-1207 dictates that a petition to contest an election must be filed within 30 days after the election results have been certified by the appropriate canvassing board. This 30-day period is a strict statutory requirement, and failure to adhere to it will result in the dismissal of the contest. The petition must be served upon the contestant and any other necessary parties as prescribed by law. The court then proceeds to hear evidence and make a determination based on the merits of the allegations and the impact on the election results. The focus is on whether irregularities were significant enough to alter the outcome of the election.

Nebraska law, specifically under Revised Statutes of Nebraska § 32-1304, outlines the requirements for a candidate to withdraw their name from a primary election ballot. A candidate seeking to withdraw must file a written statement of withdrawal with the appropriate election official. This statement must be filed no later than the deadline for filing a certificate of candidacy for the office sought. For a primary election, this deadline is typically the first Monday in March preceding the primary election. If a candidate fails to meet this statutory deadline, their name will remain on the primary election ballot, and any votes cast for them will be considered valid. The scenario presented involves a candidate who attempts to withdraw after the statutory deadline. Therefore, the withdrawal is not legally effective, and their name will appear on the primary ballot.

The Nebraska Revised Statutes, specifically Chapter 32, outline the procedures for voter registration and the requirements for absentee voting. For a voter to cast an absentee ballot in Nebraska, they must meet certain eligibility criteria and follow a prescribed process. One key aspect of this process involves the submission of an application for an absentee ballot. The law specifies that such applications must be received by the county clerk or election commissioner no later than the close of business on the Friday preceding the election. This deadline is crucial for ensuring that all absentee ballots can be properly processed, mailed, and returned in time for tabulation on election day. Failure to meet this deadline renders the application invalid for that particular election. Therefore, understanding the precise timing of absentee ballot application submission is fundamental to upholding the integrity and efficiency of the electoral process in Nebraska. The scenario presented involves a voter submitting an application on the Saturday before the election. Since this is after the statutory deadline of the close of business on the Friday before the election, the application would be considered untimely.

The scenario involves a county clerk in Nebraska who discovers a discrepancy in the number of provisional ballots cast and the number of voters who appeared to vote provisionally according to precinct records. Nebraska Revised Statute § 32-1306 addresses the handling of provisional ballots. This statute outlines that if a voter casts a provisional ballot, the election official must provide the voter with a written statement explaining the reason the voter was allowed to cast a provisional ballot. Furthermore, the statute mandates that the county clerk or election commissioner must examine the records to determine the validity of the provisional ballot. If the records indicate the voter was eligible and properly registered, the ballot is counted. The core of the issue here is the discrepancy between the physical ballots and the recorded voter appearances. Nebraska law, specifically in relation to canvassing and the handling of provisional ballots, requires a thorough reconciliation process. The clerk’s duty is to investigate such discrepancies. While the statute does not prescribe a specific percentage of discrepancy that automatically invalidates all provisional ballots, it does require an examination of the circumstances. The clerk must compare the provisional ballot envelopes against voter registration records and precinct poll books. If the voter who cast the provisional ballot is found to be duly registered and otherwise eligible, and their identity can be verified against the poll book entries, the provisional ballot is deemed valid and counted. The statute does not provide for an automatic disqualification based solely on a numerical mismatch without further investigation into the cause of the discrepancy, such as administrative errors in recording voter appearances or issues with ballot envelope handling. The process is to verify eligibility and if verified, count the ballot. The explanation is that the clerk must investigate the discrepancy to determine if the provisional ballots are valid based on voter eligibility and registration records, and if so, they should be counted. The law does not mandate an automatic nullification of all provisional ballots due to a numerical discrepancy without this verification process.

In Nebraska, the process for challenging election results is governed by specific statutes. Following an election, a candidate or a group of voters may initiate a contest if they believe there were irregularities that could have affected the outcome. Nebraska Revised Statute §32-1101 outlines the grounds for an election contest, which include illegal votes, misconduct by election officials, or errors in counting ballots. The statute requires that such a contest be filed within a specified timeframe after the election results are officially declared. Specifically, for general elections, the contest must be filed within 30 days of the completion of the official canvass, as per §32-1101(1). The process involves filing a petition in the appropriate district court, detailing the specific grounds for the challenge and the relief sought. The court then proceeds to hear evidence and make a determination. The burden of proof rests on the contestant to demonstrate that the alleged irregularities indeed impacted the election outcome. This legal framework ensures a structured and fair process for addressing disputes and maintaining the integrity of the electoral system in Nebraska.

In Nebraska, the process for challenging the validity of a ballot based on alleged irregularities in its marking or casting is governed by specific statutes. While a voter’s intent is paramount, the physical condition of the ballot and the manner of marking are subject to interpretation by election officials and potentially by the courts. Nebraska Revised Statute 32-1201 addresses the criteria for a ballot to be counted, emphasizing that marks intended to identify the voter will invalidate the ballot. However, a stray mark, not intended to identify the voter, but made by accident, should not cause the ballot to be rejected if the voter’s intent can still be clearly ascertained. The question hinges on whether the mark, a small “x” in the margin next to a candidate’s name, constitutes an identifying mark or an accidental deviation. Given that the “x” is not directly on or adjacent to the candidate’s name within the designated voting square, and assuming no other marks on the ballot could be construed as identifying the voter, election officials would typically interpret this as an attempt to mark the ballot, and if the intent is clear, the ballot would be counted. The key is the absence of intent to identify the voter. The Nebraska Election Law emphasizes the principle of giving effect to the voter’s intent whenever possible, provided that intent is not obscured by marks intended to identify the voter. Therefore, a single, isolated stray mark, not placed to identify the voter and not obscuring the voter’s intended choice, would not automatically invalidate the ballot. The county election board’s determination would be based on whether the voter’s intent is clear despite the extraneous mark.

In Nebraska, the process for a candidate to withdraw from a primary election ballot is governed by specific statutory provisions. Following the certification of primary election ballots by the Secretary of State, a candidate who wishes to withdraw must file a notarized affidavit of withdrawal. This affidavit must be filed with the appropriate election official, which in Nebraska is typically the Secretary of State for statewide offices and the county clerk for local offices. The deadline for filing such a withdrawal is crucial. Nebraska law, specifically under Revised Statutes of Nebraska Section 32-515, states that a candidate may withdraw from a primary election ballot if the withdrawal is filed with the Secretary of State no later than the 60th day before the primary election. This means that for a primary election held in May, the withdrawal deadline would be in early March. If a candidate files after this deadline, their name will remain on the ballot, and any votes cast for them will be counted. The intent of this deadline is to ensure ballot integrity and provide sufficient time for election officials to prepare and print the official ballots accurately. Failure to adhere to this deadline means the candidate is considered to have accepted their nomination if they win the primary, or their name will appear on the ballot if they are still eligible.

The scenario involves a county election commissioner in Nebraska who discovers a discrepancy in the number of absentee ballots requested and the number of absentee ballots returned and counted for a specific precinct in the most recent general election. The discrepancy involves a difference of 15 ballots. Nebraska Revised Statute § 32-837 outlines the procedures for handling absentee ballots, including the requirement for a bipartisan team to review absentee ballot applications and ballots. Specifically, the statute mandates that the county clerk or election commissioner must deliver absentee ballots to the precinct judges. Furthermore, Nebraska Revised Statute § 32-843 addresses the canvassing of absentee ballots, emphasizing that all absentee ballots received by the designated deadline are to be counted. The core of the issue is the proper procedure for investigating and resolving such discrepancies. According to Nebraska election law, the county election official is responsible for the integrity of the election process within their jurisdiction. When a discrepancy is found, the initial step is to conduct a thorough audit of the absentee ballot records for that precinct. This audit should involve reconciling the absentee ballot application logs with the returned absentee ballots and the final count. If the discrepancy cannot be resolved through this internal audit, Nebraska election law generally permits a recount or a judicial review, depending on the nature and magnitude of the discrepancy and the specific circumstances. However, the primary responsibility for investigating and documenting the cause of the discrepancy rests with the county election commissioner. The commissioner must maintain detailed records of all election processes and any identified irregularities. The investigation should focus on identifying whether the discrepancy arose from administrative error, procedural oversight, or potential malfeasance. The outcome of this investigation would inform any subsequent actions, such as reporting to the Nebraska Secretary of State or initiating a formal audit. The statutory framework in Nebraska emphasizes transparency and accuracy in election administration. The election commissioner’s duty is to ensure that all ballots cast in accordance with the law are properly accounted for and that any deviations from expected procedures are thoroughly investigated and documented.

Nebraska Revised Statute 32-1205 outlines the requirements for the certification of candidates for partisan office. For a candidate to be certified for a primary election, they must file a nominating petition and a filing fee, or a combination thereof, that meets specific thresholds. Specifically, a candidate for a statewide office must have their nominating petition signed by at least one percent of the total votes cast in the last general election for the office of Governor. For a senatorial district office, the petition must be signed by at least two percent of the total votes cast in the last general election for that specific office. This statute ensures that candidates demonstrate a certain level of support within the electorate before appearing on the primary ballot. The calculation for the minimum number of signatures required is based on the total votes cast for Governor in the preceding general election for statewide offices, and for the specific office in question for district offices. For instance, if the total votes cast for Governor in the last general election were 800,000, a candidate for a statewide office would need a minimum of \(0.01 \times 800,000 = 8,000\) signatures. If a senatorial district had 50,000 votes cast for its representative in the last general election, a candidate for that district office would need a minimum of \(0.02 \times 50,000 = 1,000\) signatures. The filing fee, if elected to be used in lieu of a portion of the signatures, is also statutorily defined, with the fee for statewide offices being \$100 and for district offices being \$50. The law requires that a candidate must satisfy one of these options to be certified.

Nebraska Revised Statute 32-1201 defines “absent voter” as any registered voter who is unable to appear at the polling place in their precinct on the day of an election for any reason, including but not limited to, being out of their precinct or county on election day, or having a physical disability or illness that prevents them from appearing at the polling place. The statute further outlines the process for applying for an absent voter ballot, including the requirement for a voter to apply in writing. Nebraska law, specifically under Chapter 32, Article 12, governs absent voter ballots. A voter who has been issued an absent voter ballot but has not yet returned it to the election official, and who subsequently becomes able to vote in person, may vote in person at their assigned polling place. However, if the absent voter ballot has already been received by the election official, the voter cannot cast a ballot in person. The election official is responsible for ensuring that only one ballot is cast by each voter. Therefore, if the absent voter ballot is received by the county clerk or election commissioner before the polls close on election day, that ballot is counted, and the voter is marked as having voted. The voter’s eligibility to vote in person is contingent upon their absent voter ballot not having been received by the election office.

The scenario describes a situation where a candidate for a county office in Nebraska, who is not affiliated with a political party, wishes to appear on the general election ballot. Nebraska law, specifically under the provisions governing independent candidates and ballot access, outlines the requirements for such individuals. For a candidate to be placed on the general election ballot without party affiliation, they must typically file a petition signed by a certain number of registered voters in the jurisdiction. The number of signatures required is generally a percentage of the votes cast in the preceding election for the office in question, or a fixed number, depending on the specific office and its election district. In Nebraska, for county offices, the number of signatures required for an independent candidate to appear on the general election ballot is stipulated by statute. This petition serves as a demonstration of the candidate’s support and intent to run independently of any party structure. The filing deadline for these petitions is also a critical component, usually occurring well in advance of the general election to allow for verification of signatures and ballot preparation. The correct answer reflects the statutory requirement for the number of signatures needed for an independent candidate to access the general election ballot for a county office in Nebraska.

In Nebraska, the process for a candidate to withdraw from a primary election ballot is governed by specific statutory provisions designed to ensure the integrity and fairness of the electoral process. According to Nebraska Revised Statute § 32-837, a candidate who has filed a declaration of candidacy for a partisan primary election may withdraw their name from the ballot by filing a written statement of withdrawal with the appropriate election official. This statement must be filed no later than the last day for filing a declaration of candidacy for that primary election. For a primary election held in May, this deadline typically falls on the first Monday in March. The withdrawal must be executed under oath and delivered to the Secretary of State or the county clerk, depending on the office sought. Failure to meet this statutory deadline means the candidate’s name will appear on the primary ballot. Therefore, if a candidate files their declaration of candidacy on February 15th for a primary election with a filing deadline of March 1st, and wishes to withdraw, they must submit their written, sworn withdrawal by March 1st. Any withdrawal submitted after March 1st would be invalid for the purpose of removing their name from the primary ballot.

The scenario involves a county election official in Nebraska who has received a petition for a ballot initiative. Nebraska Revised Statute §32-1401 governs the process for initiating a statewide ballot measure. This statute outlines specific requirements for the petition, including the number of valid signatures required. For a statewide initiative, the petition must be signed by a number of voters equal to at least ten percent of the total number of votes cast for Governor at the last general election. To determine the correct number of signatures, one must consult the official election results for the most recent gubernatorial election in Nebraska. Assuming, for the purpose of this question, that the total number of votes cast for Governor in the last general election in Nebraska was 800,000, the required number of signatures would be ten percent of this total. Calculation: \(0.10 \times 800,000 \text{ votes} = 80,000 \text{ signatures}\) Therefore, the county election official must verify that the petition contains at least 80,000 valid signatures to proceed with the ballot initiative. The statute also specifies requirements for the format of the petition, the affidavit of the circulator, and the timeline for submission and review. The county election official’s role is to ensure all statutory requirements are met before certifying the petition for the statewide ballot. This process is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the direct democracy process in Nebraska, ensuring that only measures with significant public support are placed before the electorate. The verification process includes checking for voter registration status and ensuring that signatures are not duplicates.