Daylight savings time will end this coming weekend. Make sure you “fall back” one hour Saturday night before going to bed. 

I would like to thank all of those who helped fight the fires that broke out across the district on October 17th. Many people stepped up to help the firemen and first responders as these fires accelerated quickly and took many hands to help put them out. I would also like to thank the farmers for responding to the fire department’s call to stop harvesting until the winds subsided. 

Early voting began in Nebraska on October 7th and you have until November 4th to vote early. Nebraska is a “no-excuse” state, meaning any registered voter may request an early-voting (absentee ballot), and is not required to provide a reason. All county election offices will accept early-voting applications up to 120 days prior to a general election. All early-voting ballots, whether delivered in person or carrier to the county drop box or by mail, must arrive by the close of polls on November 5th. You can vote early in-person at your county election office for a period prior to an election (30 days prior to a general election). You can find Election Drop Boxes at the following locations:

• Dakota County–1601 Broadway in Dakota City
• Dixon County–302 W. 3rd Street in Ponca
• Thurston County–106 S. 5th Street in Pender
• Wayne County–510 N. Pearly Street in Wayne

On election day, Nebraska voters will be required to present a photo ID before casting a ballot. Voters must show their ID if they vote early in their county election office or if they cast their ballot at their local precinct on Election Day. Acceptable forms of ID are:

*Nebraska driver’s license
*Nebraska state ID
*Nebraska college ID
*Military ID
*Tribal ID
*U. S. Passport
*Nebraska political subdivision ID (state, county, city, public school, etc.)
*Hospital, intermediate care facility, assisted-living facility or nursing home record

The polls will be open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. on November 5th. Voters must vote at the location for their current address. You can look up your polling location on the Secretary of State’s website or you can call the election office at (402) 441-7311. Campaign items for any candidate on the ballot, such ad buttons, stickers, and T-shirts are not allowed in a polling place.

It is so important to get out and vote in this election. It is important to have your voice heard. You can see sample ballots by going to the Nebraska Secretary of State website, go to elections, and scroll down to 2024 General Sample Ballots. You can then show up to the polls educated and ready to cast your vote.

News from the Governor’s Office

On August 21st, Chief Justice of the Nebraska Supreme Court, Mike Heavican, announced his retirement from the court effective on October 31st. Governor Pillen shared the following: “I congratulate Chief Justice Heavican on his retirement, and I thank him for his amazing public service to the state of Nebraska. He has served Nebraska’s Supreme Court with professionalism, rooted in deep regard for the rule of law. I have enjoyed getting to know Chief Justice Heavican and I often repeat to others the observation he made to me about walking into the supreme Court Chamber. He noted that each time felt like the very first–conveying a wonderment, love, and appreciation for a career that has resulted in immense satisfaction and fulfillment. I wish MIke the very best in all his future endeavors.” (Strimple, Laura and Urlis, Allan. Press Release. “Gov. Pillen and Lt. Gov. Kelly React to Announced Retirement of Chief Justice Heavican”. 21 August, 2024.https://shorturl.at/mZegl) 

On Friday, October 25th, Governor Pillen announced Nebraska Supreme Court Justice Jeffrey J. Funke as the state’s next Chief Justice, marking a “historic day,” according to Pillen. “This is something we rarely do; this should be celebrated,” said Governor Pillen. “Justice Funke was a group of the four people who applied for this role, all impressive, and ultimately Joe (Kelly) and I found Judge Funke to have all the attributes we expect of a court leader.”

Before joining the state’s high court in 2016 through an appointment by then-Governor Pete Ricketts, Funke practiced law privately in Otoe County and served on the District Court for Cass, Sarpy, and Otoe counties. Chief Justice Heavican praised Funke’s leadership especially in managing probation and problem-solving courts. “During that period of time, without that push from me, he has taken over in all kinds of administrative leadership kinds of things. He’s been a leader there,” Chief Justice Heavican said. 

The Nebraska Supreme Court is composed of the Chief Justice and six associate justices, with the Chief Justice representing the state at large and each associate representing a specific judicial district. (Carrera, A. (2024, October 25). Gov. Pillen appoints Jeffrey Funke as Nebraska Supreme Court Chief Justice. https://www.1011now.com. https://shorturl.at/8YIXD)

As always, I invite you to let me know your thoughts, ideas, concerns, or suggestions by calling my office at (402) 471-2716 or emailing me at jalbrecht@leg.ne.gov.