Civic Engagement For U.S. Legal Residents and Green Card Holders in Nebraska

How can I register to vote as a legal resident or green card holder in Nebraska?

In order to register to vote as a legal resident or green card holder in Nebraska, you must provide proof of residence and complete a voter registration form. You can obtain the form from your local County Clerk’s office or online through the Nebraska Secretary of State website. The form must be completed in full and returned to the County Clerk’s office with proof of residence before the voter registration deadline. Examples of accepted proof of residence include a valid driver’s license, utility bill, bank statement, or any other form of document that shows your name and address. Remember to sign and date the form!

What are the voter eligibility requirements and deadlines for upcoming elections in Nebraska?

Voter Eligibility Requirements:

• To register to vote in Nebraska, you must be at least 18 years of age on or before the date of the election and a U.S. citizen.

• You must also be a resident of Nebraska for at least 30 days prior to the election.

• You must not have been convicted of a felony or declared mentally incapacitated by court decree.

• You must not be registered to vote in any other state.

Registration Deadlines:

• You must register to vote at least 30 days prior to the election in order to be eligible to vote.

• The deadline for registering to vote in-person or by mail is 5:00 p.m. on the Friday preceding the election date.

• The deadline for registering to vote online is 11:59 p.m. on the Friday preceding the election date.

Are there resources available to help me understand the voting process and candidates in Nebraska?

Yes! Here are some great resources to help you learn more about the voting process and candidates in Nebraska:

1. Nebraska’s Voter Information Portal: https://www.votercheck.necvr.ne.gov/
2. League of Women Voters: http://www.lwvnebraska.org/
3. Nebraska Secretary of State: https://sos.nebraska.gov/elections
4. Open States: https://openstates.org/ne/
5. Ballotpedia: https://ballotpedia.org/Nebraska_elections
6. Nebraska Voter Guide: https://nebraskavoterguide.org/
7. Nebraska State Legislature: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/

Where can I find information on early voting and absentee ballots for legal residents and green card holders in Nebraska?

The Nebraska Secretary of State has up-to-date information about early voting and absentee ballot options for legal residents and green card holders. You can find this information on their website at https://www.sos.ne.gov/elections/election_info/voting_info/absentee_early_voting.html.

Is there assistance for individuals with disabilities to ensure accessible voting in Nebraska?

Yes, Nebraska provides assistance to individuals with disabilities to ensure accessible voting. Voters with disabilities may receive assistance from an election official, family member, or friend when voting. They may also request curbside voting or have an electronic ballot-marking device available at the polling place. Additionally, Nebraska offers absentee ballots and mail-in ballots for voters who are unable to physically cast their ballot in person.

Can I become a poll worker or volunteer to support the voting process in Nebraska?

Yes, you can. To become a poll worker in Nebraska, you must contact your local election office. You can find information about your local election office, including contact information, on the Nebraska Secretary of State website. Volunteers are always needed to help with the voting process in Nebraska, and there are many ways to get involved. For more information, please reach out to your local election office.

What are the requirements and benefits of becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen in Nebraska?

Requirements

In order to become a naturalized U.S. citizen in Nebraska, applicants must meet certain requirements. These requirements include:

• Being at least 18 years old at the time of application.
• Being a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) in Nebraska for at least five years before applying for naturalization.
• Being physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the five years prior to filing the application for naturalization.
• Demonstrating good moral character and attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution.
• Proving a basic knowledge of U.S. history and government by passing a civics test.
• Passing an English language proficiency test (unless you are exempt from taking it).
• Swearing allegiance to the United States and renouncing any foreign allegiance or foreign title.

Benefits

The benefits of becoming a naturalized citizen in Nebraska include:

• Full federal rights, such as the right to vote and serve on a jury, just like any other U.S. citizen.
• The right to apply for federal jobs for which only U.S. citizens can apply.
• Becoming eligible to apply for certain benefits and programs available only to U.S. citizens, such as Social Security and Medicare, certain veteran benefits, housing and education grants, scholarships, and more.
• The ability to travel internationally with a U.S. passport and the freedom to leave and re-enter the United States as often as you like without having to worry about visa renewals or restrictions.
• Becoming eligible to bring family members into the United States as immigrants or refugees if you meet certain requirements, such as having an income that meets certain minimum requirements or having family members who are already U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents in Nebraska.

How can I participate in local government meetings and community advisory boards in Nebraska?

The best way to participate in local government meetings and community advisory boards in Nebraska is to find out who your elected officials are and contact them to find out about available opportunities for public participation. You can also visit the website of the Nebraska Municipal Clerks and Finance Officers Association (NMCFOA) for more information about upcoming meetings, events, and other opportunities. Additionally, attending town hall or city council meetings is an easy way to get involved in local government and learn more about the issues facing your community. Finally, following your local government on social media and signing up for notifications is a great way to stay informed and have your voice heard.

Are there opportunities to join civic organizations or community groups that welcome legal residents and green card holders in Nebraska?

Yes, there are several civic organizations and community groups that welcome legal residents and green card holders in Nebraska. Examples include the League of Women Voters, the NAACP, the American Civil Liberties Union, the Nebraska Immigrant Legal Center, and various religious organizations. Additionally, some universities and colleges may have student clubs or organizations that are open to legal residents and green card holders.

Where can I access resources for learning about the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights in Nebraska?

1. The Nebraska State Historical Society provides a variety of resources to help students learn about the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights in Nebraska. It has a digital education portal with resources, lesson plans, and activities on the Constitution and Bill of Rights. It also provides online access to the Nebraska State Constitution and Bill of Rights.

2. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has a number of resources on the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, including an online exhibit, an interactive timeline, a webinar series, and more.

3. Omaha Public Library provides a number of book and video resources on the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights in Nebraska. It has a specific collection of books, videos and other materials dedicated to this topic.

4. The Nebraska State Bar Association also offers a variety of activities and resources related to the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights in Nebraska. You can find information about upcoming events, educational materials, and more on their website.

How do I stay informed about state and local policies and initiatives that may impact my community in Nebraska?

To stay informed about state and local policies and initiatives that may impact your community in Nebraska, you can follow local news outlets, such as the Omaha World-Herald, Lincoln Journal Star, and Kearney Hub. Additionally, you can follow the Nebraska Legislature website for updates on bills and legislation. Additionally, the City of Lincoln and City of Omaha both have websites that provide updates on local initiatives. Finally, you can follow the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services for updates related to public health initiatives.

Are there programs that provide training in advocacy and grassroots organizing for immigrants in Nebraska?

Yes, there are. The Immigrant Learning Center in Omaha, Nebraska, offers advocacy training for immigrants in the form of regular workshops. The Center also provides an Immigrant Leadership Academy, which is a nine-month training program that prepares immigrant leaders to represent their communities in Nebraska and beyond. Another program is the Nebraska Immigrant Organizing Network (NIOM), which provides regular workshops to empower immigrant individuals and organizations to become effective advocates for their rights and interests. Finally, the Nebraska Appleseed organization provides training for immigrant advocates in areas such as legal advocacy, community organizing, communication, and media outreach.

Can I participate in public demonstrations and rallies to voice my concerns and support causes in Nebraska?

Yes, you are allowed to participate in public demonstrations and rallies as long as they are peaceful and lawful. You should always be aware of the laws and regulations in the area where the demonstration or rally is taking place. It is also important to check with the event organizers to make sure that they have the proper permitting and safety measures in place. Please remember that it is always important to practice social distancing and wear a mask if you will be in a large gathering.

What are the pathways to serving on local school boards or education advisory committees in Nebraska?

1. Submit an Application: Contact your local school board or education advisory committee to find out the application process and submit an application.

2. Attend a Training Program: Many school boards and education advisory committees require potential members to attend a training program to learn the responsibilities of being a member.

3. Become Appointed: If your application is approved, you may be appointed by the school board or education advisory committee for a specified term of service.

4. Participate in the Process: Once appointed, you will participate in regular meetings, discuss issues and vote on decisions that affect students, parents, teachers, staff and other members of the community.

Is there support for immigrants interested in running for elected office at the local or state level in Nebraska?

Yes, there is support for immigrants interested in running for elected office in Nebraska. The ACLU of Nebraska has a Voters’ Rights Project which is dedicated to helping immigrant and minority communities exercise their right to vote and participate in the political process, including running for office. The organization provides resources on naturalization, voter registration, voter education, and civic engagement for immigrant communities. Additionally, various other organizations across the state provide assistance to immigrants who are interested in running for office, such as the Nebraska Appleseed Center for Law in the Public Interest and the Latino Center of the Midlands.

How can I engage in community service and volunteer opportunities to give back to my community in Nebraska?

1. Participate in local clean-up days. There are often community clean-up days during which volunteers can help to beautify a neighborhood or park in your area.

2. Donate to a food pantry or soup kitchen. Many towns and cities in Nebraska have a variety of food pantries and soup kitchens that depend on donations to provide meals for those in need.

3. Volunteer at a local animal shelter or rescue. Animal shelters in Nebraska often rely on volunteers to provide care and attention for their animals, as well as help with adoption events and fundraising efforts.

4. Become a Big Brother or Big Sister. Organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of America work to match adult mentors with children in need of positive role models and guidance.

5. Help out at a local school. Many schools in Nebraska are always looking for volunteers to help out with projects, fundraisers, and more.

Are there resources for accessing English language and civics classes to enhance civic participation in Nebraska?

Yes, there are resources available for accessing English language and civics classes to enhance civic participation in Nebraska. The Nebraska Department of Education offers a range of adult education and literacy programs, including English language learning and civics classes, to help adult Nebraskans acquire the skills they need for participation in their communities. Additionally, many local libraries, community colleges, and other organizations provide free or low-cost English language and civics classes to residents throughout the state.

Can I obtain information on the census and the importance of participating in the decennial count in Nebraska?

Yes, you can find information on the census and the importance of participating in the decennial count in Nebraska on the U.S. Census Bureau website. There is also information available on the Nebraska Department of Labor website. Additionally, you may contact your local city or county government office to learn more about participating in the census.

What are the options for filing complaints about voter intimidation or discrimination in Nebraska?

Complaints about voter intimidation or discrimination in Nebraska can be reported to the Nebraska Secretary of State Office of Election Integrity. The office can be contacted via email at [email protected] or phone at (402) 471-2555. Complaints can also be reported to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Voting Rights Section at 1-800-253-3931 or through their online complaint form.

Where can I find information on civic engagement initiatives specific for legal residents and green card holders in Nebraska?

You can find information on civic engagement initiatives for legal residents and green card holders in Nebraska through the Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office. The Secretary of State’s Office provides information on the voter registration process, absentee voting, as well as other services and resources to help facilitate civic engagement. Additionally, the League of Women Voters of Nebraska provides information on how to register to vote, how to get involved in the political process, and how to become an informed voter.