On Tuesday, November 3, Americans will head to the polls to cast their ballots for the candidates they want representing them at the federal, state, and local levels of government.
Here in Nebraska, voters will determine who represents our state in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. We will also elect our governor, secretary of state, state treasurer, attorney general, auditor of public accounts, and other state and local officials.
Nebraskans will also have the opportunity to vote in races for the Unicameral Legislature, State Board of Education, University of Nebraska Board of Regents, and numerous local boards and districts. While these offices serve different purposes, each plays an important role in shaping the future of our communities, our state, and our nation.
I encourage everyone to make a plan to vote, but to also ensure that you are prepared. You can find your polling place and other important election information at Nebraska VoterCheck’s website: https://www.votercheck.necvr.ne.gov/VoterView. The Nebraska Secretary of State’s website at https://sos.nebraska.gov/elections also provides helpful answers to frequently asked questions.
One of the most rewarding parts of serving in the U.S. Senate is hearing from Nebraskans who care about our democratic system of government. My office regularly receives letters from residents asking questions about legislation, sharing their opinions on important issues, or expressing concerns about matters their communities. My team and I take these letters seriously. It makes me proud to see so many Nebraskans taking an interest in the decisions that impact their daily lives.
I encourage all Nebraskans to stay engaged and exercise their right to vote. But being an engaged citizen requires taking the time to cast an informed vote. Before heading to the polls, I encourage all Nebraskans to read credible local news sources, learn about the candidates and their positions, and consider which issues matter most to them.
Just as importantly, we must remember that not everyone will share our opinions. Whether you are discussing an election with a friend, neighbor, classmate, colleague, or family member, it is important to approach disagreements with kindness and civility.
We are fortunate to live in a country where we have the freedom to express our beliefs, debate important issues, and choose our elected representatives. These freedoms are not guaranteed in many parts of the world, and we should never take them for granted.
I value these principles deeply in my work representing Nebraska in the U.S. Senate. Our differences do not have to prevent us from finding common ground. At the end of the day, there is far more that unites us as Americans than divides us.
As we approach Election Day, I encourage all eligible Nebraskans to exercise their right to vote, respect the opinions of others, and remember that our democracy is strongest when we all take part.
Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.