NE secretary of state urges changes to election law

Secretary of State John Gale is recommending changes to a Nebraska law that deals with providing ballots to voters in nursing homes and hospitals on Election Day.

Gale is asking lawmakers to approve new procedures that are intended to reduce opportunities for abuse or election fraud.

Current law allows county clerks and election commissioners to train registered voters to act on behalf of their offices. The ballots must be delivered by two registered voters who are of different political parties. Counties also must report their plans for distributing ballots.

Lawmakers are considering a bill that also would require county officials to report to the state how many ballots were cast, as well as the name and affiliations of those trained to administer ballots.