RNC Challenges Nebraska Law Allowing Non-Resident Voting

The Republican National Committee and two Lancaster County voters have filed a lawsuit challenging a Nebraska state law that permits U.S. citizens to register to vote if they have a parent registered in a Nebraska county, even if the citizens themselves have never resided in the state. The RNC argues the law violates the Nebraska Constitution by allowing non-residents to dilute the votes of lawful residents.

Data from the Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office indicates that 116 overseas voters are currently registered under this provision, six of whom participated in the May 12 primary. Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen and Attorney General Mike Hilgers are defending the law, asserting that legal residency pertains to domicile rather than physical presence.

The state has requested an expedited ruling to resolve the matter before the November 3 general election, avoiding a full trial. A hearing on the challenge is scheduled for August 6 in Lincoln.