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We The People of the U.S. of A. — Nebraska Help Desk · beta v.1

Before You Vote

They want my vote. For half of these offices I didn't know what the job was. So I'm doing the homework in public: who is running, whether I asked them, and what they said, in their own words. Check them off as you do yours.
This is what unfinished homework looks like to me for We The People: as an ex-database developer doing things in Civics 101 for Nebraska, in public, because we all have to vote. Not mine to tell you how to vote, but you should know who's asking for it. It started with one text message on my phone.
Not everyone gets a chance to ask a candidate a question. So I'm asking for all of us, the same questions to everyone in a race, and what they send back is printed in full on In Their Own Words.

How to read these boxes

4 ballot questions · 49 races · 102 candidates · 71 asked so far · 6 answered · as of 2026-10-04

Ballot questions: everyone in Nebraska votes on these

No candidates here. Just the question, and what a FOR or AGAINST vote does, in the state's own words. The Secretary of State's pamphlet also prints the full text and the arguments each side sent in.

LR19CA

constitutional amendment, placed by the Legislature (Sen. Robert Dover)

En pocas palabras (explicación nuestra; no es el texto oficial)

A FAVOR (FOR): Se cambiaría la constitución del estado para aumentar el límite de períodos de los legisladores estatales: de dos períodos consecutivos de cuatro años (ocho años) a tres períodos consecutivos de cuatro años (12 años).

EN CONTRA (AGAINST): La constitución de Nebraska no se cambia, así que sigue vigente el límite actual de dos períodos consecutivos de cuatro años. Los legisladores estatales seguirán sin poder ocupar un cargo en la Legislatura durante cuatro años después de servir dos períodos consecutivos.

Solo repetimos, en español sencillo, lo que dice el estado. No decimos cómo votar. Lo que vale es el texto oficial en inglés de abajo.

FOR: A vote FOR will amend the state constitution to increase the term limit for state legislators from two consecutive four-year terms (eight years) to three consecutive four-year terms (12 years).

AGAINST: A vote AGAINST will not amend the Nebraska Constitution, so the current limit of two consecutive four-year terms will remain in effect. State legislators will continue to be ineligible for office in the Legislature for four years after serving two consecutive terms.

Wording quoted from the Nebraska Secretary of State.

Initiative 440

constitutional amendment, by initiative petition

En pocas palabras (explicación nuestra; no es el texto oficial)

A FAVOR (FOR): Se cambiaría la constitución de Nebraska para autorizar leyes que permitan a personas ubicadas dentro de Nebraska hacer apuestas deportivas mediante una plataforma de internet, cuando la ofrezca un operador de juegos autorizado que realice juegos de azar dentro del recinto de una pista de carreras con licencia en Nebraska.

EN CONTRA (AGAINST): La constitución de Nebraska no se cambia de esta manera.

Solo repetimos, en español sencillo, lo que dice el estado. No decimos cómo votar. Lo que vale es el texto oficial en inglés de abajo.

FOR: A vote FOR will amend the Nebraska Constitution to authorize the enactment of laws to allow persons located within Nebraska to place sports wagers through an Internet-based platform when offered by an authorized gaming operator conducting games of chance within a licensed racetrack enclosure in Nebraska.

AGAINST: A vote AGAINST means the Nebraska Constitution will not be amended in this manner.

Wording quoted from the Nebraska Secretary of State, page 1.

Initiative 441

statute, by initiative petition

En pocas palabras (explicación nuestra; no es el texto oficial)

A FAVOR (FOR): Se crearían leyes (estatutos) que permitan a personas ubicadas dentro de Nebraska hacer apuestas deportivas mediante una plataforma de internet, cuando la ofrezca un operador de juegos autorizado que realice juegos de azar dentro del recinto de una pista de carreras con licencia en Nebraska, o la plataforma proveedora del operador, y que regulen esas apuestas deportivas.

EN CONTRA (AGAINST): No se crearían esas leyes.

Solo repetimos, en español sencillo, lo que dice el estado. No decimos cómo votar. Lo que vale es el texto oficial en inglés de abajo.

FOR: A vote FOR will enact statutes allowing persons located within Nebraska to place sports wagers through an Internet-based platform when offered by an authorized gaming operator conducting games of chance within a licensed racetrack enclosure in Nebraska or the operator's platform provider, and regulating such sports wagers.

AGAINST: A vote AGAINST means no such statutes will be enacted.

Wording quoted from the Nebraska Secretary of State, page 6.

Initiative 442

constitutional amendment, by initiative petition

En pocas palabras (explicación nuestra; no es el texto oficial)

A FAVOR (FOR): Se cambiaría la constitución de Nebraska para disponer que: (1) las escuelas deben designar expresamente cada equipo o deporte atlético como uno de los siguientes, según el sexo biológico: (a) personas de sexo masculino, hombres o niños; (b) personas de sexo femenino, mujeres o niñas; o (c) mixto; y (2) los equipos o deportes designados para personas de sexo femenino, mujeres o niñas no estarán abiertos a estudiantes de sexo masculino. La enmienda se aplicaría a todos los equipos o deportes atléticos patrocinados por escuelas públicas o instituciones educativas postsecundarias, y por escuelas o instituciones educativas privadas cuyos equipos o deportes compitan contra escuelas o instituciones públicas.

EN CONTRA (AGAINST): La constitución de Nebraska no se cambia de esta manera.

Solo repetimos, en español sencillo, lo que dice el estado. No decimos cómo votar. Lo que vale es el texto oficial en inglés de abajo.

FOR: A vote FOR will amend the Nebraska Constitution to provide: (1) Schools must expressly designate each athletic team or sport as one of the following based on biological sex: (a) Males, men, or boys; (b) females, women, or girls; or (c) coed or mixed; and (2) Athletic teams or sports designated for females, women, or girls shall not be open to students of the male sex. The amendment would apply to all athletic teams or sports sponsored by public schools or postsecondary educational institutions, and private schools or educational institutions whose athletic teams or sports compete against public schools or institutions.

AGAINST: A vote AGAINST means the Nebraska Constitution will not be amended in this manner.

Wording quoted from the Nebraska Secretary of State, page 16.

Governor of Nebraska

What this office decides: we have not written this explainer yet. Unfinished homework.

Governor of Nebraska, general election 2026

4 on the ballot · checked against the Secretary of State's certified list

  • Jim Pillen RepublicanAsked Sep 12, 2026 by email. No answer yet.
  • Lynne Walz DemocraticAsked Sep 12, 2026 by email. No answer yet.
  • Brett Lindstrom America FirstAsked Sep 12, 2026 by email. No answer yet.
  • Rick Beard Legal Marijuana NOWAsked Sep 13, 2026 by web form. No answer yet.

On this site: homework

This race, in their own words

U.S. Senate, Nebraska

What this office decides: we have not written this explainer yet. Unfinished homework.

U.S. Senate, Nebraska, general election 2026

5 on the ballot · checked against the Secretary of State's certified list

  • Pete Ricketts RepublicanAsked Sep 12, 2026 by web form. No answer yet.
  • Dan Osborn By PetitionAsked Sep 12, 2026 by web form. No answer yet.
  • Mike Marvin Legal Marijuana NOWSuspended his campaign Aug 21, 2026, citing his health, and endorsed Dan Osborn. He missed the Aug 3 deadline to withdraw, so his name stays on the ballot. [Nebraska Public Media, Aug 21, 2026] [Nebraska Examiner, Aug 21, 2026]Asked Sep 13, 2026 by mailed letter. No answer yet.
  • Robin Richards Nebraska Working PeopleAsked Sep 17, 2026 by text. No answer yet.
  • Chuck Conboy America FirstAnswered Sep 17, 2026. Read the answer in full

On this site: the-money-board, taas-case-study-ricketts-osborn-state-fair-debate

This race, in their own words

U.S. House of Representatives

What this office decides: we have not written this explainer yet. Unfinished homework.

U.S. House, Nebraska District 1, general election 2026

4 on the ballot · checked against the Secretary of State's certified list

  • Mike Flood IncumbentNot asked yet.
  • Chris Backemeyer NonincumbentAsked Sep 29, 2026 by email. No answer yet.
  • Nik Sandman NonincumbentNot asked yet.
  • Dan Hartong NonincumbentNot asked yet.

This race, in their own words

U.S. House, Nebraska District 3, general election 2026

5 on the ballot · checked against the Secretary of State's certified list

  • Adrian Smith IncumbentAsked Sep 29, 2026 by email. No answer yet.
  • Becky Kelly Stille NonincumbentAsked Sep 29, 2026 by email. No answer yet.
  • David J. Else NonincumbentWrote back Sep 29, 2026. Their words are not printed yet.
  • Macey Budke NonincumbentWrote back Sep 29, 2026. Their words are not printed yet.
  • Mark Cohen NonincumbentWrote back Sep 29, 2026. Their words are not printed yet.

This race, in their own words

U.S. House, Nebraska District 2, general election 2026

3 on the ballot · checked against the Secretary of State's certified list

  • Brinker Harding Republican · NonincumbentAsked Oct 2, 2026 by email. No answer yet.
  • Denise Powell Democratic · NonincumbentAsked Oct 2, 2026 by email. No answer yet.
  • Eric Michael Foreman Libertarian · NonincumbentAsked Oct 2, 2026 by email. No answer yet.

This race, in their own words

Nebraska Attorney General

What this office decides: we have not written this explainer yet. Unfinished homework.

Attorney General of Nebraska, general election 2026

2 on the ballot · checked against the Secretary of State's certified list

  • Mike Hilgers Republican · IncumbentAsked Sep 23, 2026 by email. No answer yet.
  • Jocelyn Brasher Democratic · NonincumbentAsked Sep 23, 2026 by email. No answer yet.

On this site: taas-case-study-hilgers-lb474-2021

This race, in their own words

Nebraska Secretary of State

What this office decides: we have not written this explainer yet. Unfinished homework.

Secretary of State of Nebraska, general election 2026

4 on the ballot · checked against the Secretary of State's certified list

  • Scott Petersen NonincumbentWrote back Sep 29, 2026. Read what was sent
  • Sarah J. Slattery NonincumbentAsked Sep 29, 2026 by email. No answer yet.
  • Paul Rumbaugh NonincumbentAnswered Oct 1, 2026. Read the answer in full
  • Bob Krist NonincumbentWrote back Sep 29, 2026. Their words are not printed yet.

On this site: taas-case-study-pillen-ricketts-appointment

This race, in their own words

Nebraska Legislature

What this office decides: we have not written this explainer yet. Unfinished homework.

Nebraska Legislature, District 41 - special election, general 2026

2 on the ballot · checked against the Secretary of State's certified list

  • Joe Johnson NonincumbentAsked Sep 23, 2026 by email. No answer yet.
  • Jeremy Heneger NonincumbentAsked Sep 23, 2026 by email. No answer yet.

On this site: your-49-nebraska-senators

This race, in their own words

Nebraska Legislature, District 26, general election 2026

2 on the ballot · checked against the Secretary of State's certified list

  • George Dungan IncumbentAsked Sep 29, 2026 by email. No answer yet.
  • Tobias Howard NonincumbentNot asked yet.

This race, in their own words

Nebraska Legislature, District 36, general election 2026

2 on the ballot · checked against the Secretary of State's certified list

  • Rick Holdcroft IncumbentNot asked yet.
  • Darin Tompkins NonincumbentNot asked yet.

This race, in their own words

Nebraska Legislature, District 06, general election 2026

2 on the ballot · checked against the Secretary of State's certified list

  • Nate Ostdiek NonincumbentAnswered Oct 2, 2026. Read the answer in full
  • Patrick Leahy NonincumbentAsked Oct 2, 2026 by email. No answer yet.

This race, in their own words

Nebraska Legislature, District 02, general election 2026

2 on the ballot · checked against the Secretary of State's certified list

  • Dean Helmick NonincumbentAsked Oct 2, 2026 by email. No answer yet.
  • Caitlin Knutson NonincumbentNot asked yet.

This race, in their own words

Nebraska Legislature, District 04, general election 2026

2 on the ballot · checked against the Secretary of State's certified list

  • Cindy Maxwell-Ostdiek NonincumbentAsked Oct 2, 2026 by email. No answer yet.
  • R. Brad von Gillern IncumbentAsked Oct 2, 2026 by email. No answer yet.

This race, in their own words

Nebraska Legislature, District 08, general election 2026

2 on the ballot · checked against the Secretary of State's certified list

  • Josh Livingston NonincumbentAsked Oct 2, 2026 by email. No answer yet.
  • Erin Feichtinger NonincumbentAsked Oct 2, 2026 by email. No answer yet.

This race, in their own words

Nebraska Legislature, District 10, general election 2026

2 on the ballot · checked against the Secretary of State's certified list

  • Cindy Johnson NonincumbentAsked Oct 2, 2026 by email. No answer yet.
  • Rebecca Rens NonincumbentNot asked yet.

This race, in their own words

Nebraska Legislature, District 12, general election 2026

2 on the ballot · checked against the Secretary of State's certified list

  • Merv Riepe IncumbentNot asked yet.
  • Christy Knorr NonincumbentAsked Oct 2, 2026 by email. No answer yet.

This race, in their own words

Nebraska Legislature, District 14, general election 2026

2 on the ballot · checked against the Secretary of State's certified list

  • Bill Bowes NonincumbentAsked Oct 2, 2026 by email. No answer yet.
  • SuAnn Witt NonincumbentNot asked yet.

This race, in their own words

Nebraska Legislature, District 18, general election 2026

2 on the ballot · checked against the Secretary of State's certified list

  • Taylor Royal NonincumbentNot asked yet.
  • Jess Goldoni NonincumbentAsked Oct 2, 2026 by email. No answer yet.

This race, in their own words

Nebraska Legislature, District 20, general election 2026

2 on the ballot · checked against the Secretary of State's certified list

  • John Fredrickson IncumbentNot asked yet.
  • Chris Anderson NonincumbentAsked Oct 2, 2026 by email. No answer yet.

This race, in their own words

Nebraska State Board of Education

What this office decides: we have not written this explainer yet. Unfinished homework.

Nebraska State Board of Education, District 05, general election 2026

2 on the ballot · checked against the Secretary of State's certified list

  • Michaela Conway NonincumbentNot asked yet.
  • Angie Eberspacher NonincumbentNot asked yet.

This race, in their own words

Nebraska State Board of Education, District 06, general election 2026

2 on the ballot · checked against the Secretary of State's certified list

  • Sherry Jones IncumbentAsked Sep 29, 2026 by email. No answer yet.
  • Grady Erickson NonincumbentNot asked yet.

This race, in their own words

Nebraska State Board of Education, District 07, general election 2026

1 on the ballot · one candidate, unopposed · checked against the Secretary of State's certified list

  • Elizabeth Tegtmeier IncumbentNot asked yet.

This race, in their own words

Nebraska State Board of Education, District 08, general election 2026

2 on the ballot · checked against the Secretary of State's certified list

  • Lou Ann Goding NonincumbentAsked Sep 29, 2026 by email. No answer yet.
  • Sherrye Hutcherson NonincumbentAsked Sep 29, 2026 by email. No answer yet.

This race, in their own words

University of Nebraska Board of Regents

What this office decides: we have not written this explainer yet. Unfinished homework.

University of Nebraska Board of Regents, District 04, general election 2026

2 on the ballot · checked against the Secretary of State's certified list

  • Susanne Shore NonincumbentAnswered Sep 29, 2026. Read the answer in full
  • Justin Solomon NonincumbentAsked Sep 28, 2026 by email. No answer yet.

This race, in their own words

Douglas County Treasurer

What this office decides: read our Civics 101 lesson.

Douglas County Treasurer, general election 2026

1 on the ballot · one candidate, unopposed · from the Douglas County Election Commission candidate list; not yet confirmed against an official ballot

  • Tony Vargas DemocraticAsked Sep 14, 2026 by mailed letter (an earlier email bounced). No answer yet.

On this site: civics-101-who-collects-your-property-tax

This race, in their own words

OPPD Board of Directors (your electric company)

What this office decides: read our Civics 101 lesson.

Omaha Public Power District Board, Subdivision 01, general election 2026

2 on the ballot · checked against the Secretary of State's certified list

  • Christian Mapes NonincumbentAsked Sep 24, 2026 by email. No answer yet.
  • Sara Kohen NonincumbentAsked Sep 24, 2026 by email. No answer yet.

This race, in their own words

Omaha Public Power District Board, Subdivision 02, general election 2026

2 on the ballot · checked against the Secretary of State's certified list

  • Jay Ignowski NonincumbentAsked Sep 24, 2026 by email. No answer yet.
  • Mark Gudgel NonincumbentAnswered Sep 24, 2026. Read the answer in full

This race, in their own words

Omaha Public Power District Board, Subdivision 03, general election 2026

2 on the ballot · checked against the Secretary of State's certified list

  • Jim Smith NonincumbentAsked Sep 24, 2026 by email. No answer yet.
  • Carol Blood NonincumbentAsked Sep 24, 2026 by text. No answer yet.

This race, in their own words

Metropolitan Utilities District Board

What this office decides: we have not written this explainer yet. Unfinished homework.

Metropolitan Utilities District of Omaha Board, Subdivision 03, general election 2026

2 on the ballot · checked against the Secretary of State's certified list

  • Gwen Howard IncumbentAsked Sep 29, 2026 by email. No answer yet.
  • Andrew Adams NonincumbentNot asked yet.

This race, in their own words

Metropolitan Utilities District of Omaha Board, Subdivision 04, general election 2026

1 on the ballot · one candidate, unopposed · checked against the Secretary of State's certified list

  • Tim Cavanaugh IncumbentAsked Sep 29, 2026 by email. No answer yet.

This race, in their own words

Metropolitan Utilities District of Omaha Board, Subdivision 05, general election 2026

1 on the ballot · one candidate, unopposed · checked against the Secretary of State's certified list

  • Tanya Cook IncumbentNot asked yet.

This race, in their own words

Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District Board

What this office decides: we have not written this explainer yet. Unfinished homework.

Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District Board of Directors, Subdistrict 02, general election 2026

1 on the ballot · one candidate, unopposed · checked against the Secretary of State's certified list

  • Fred Conley IncumbentNot asked yet.

This race, in their own words

Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District Board of Directors, Subdistrict 04, general election 2026

2 on the ballot · checked against the Secretary of State's certified list

  • Tim McCormick IncumbentNot asked yet.
  • Barb Nichols NonincumbentNot asked yet.

This race, in their own words

Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District Board of Directors, Subdistrict 06, general election 2026

2 on the ballot · checked against the Secretary of State's certified list

  • Jim Thompson IncumbentAsked Sep 29, 2026 by email. No answer yet.
  • Christian Gray NonincumbentAsked Sep 29, 2026 by email. No answer yet.

This race, in their own words

Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District Board of Directors, Subdistrict 08, general election 2026

1 on the ballot · one candidate, unopposed · checked against the Secretary of State's certified list

  • Tim N. Fowler IncumbentNot asked yet.

This race, in their own words

Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District Board of Directors, Subdistrict 10, general election 2026

2 on the ballot · checked against the Secretary of State's certified list

  • Anthony J. Strawn NonincumbentAsked Sep 29, 2026 by email. No answer yet.
  • Jason Taylor NonincumbentNot asked yet.

This race, in their own words

Learning Community of Douglas & Sarpy Counties

What this office decides: we have not written this explainer yet. Unfinished homework.

Learning Community of Douglas & Sarpy Counties, Subcouncil 01, general election 2026

4 on the ballot · checked against the Secretary of State's certified list

  • Ken Waters NonincumbentAsked Sep 29, 2026 by email. No answer yet.
  • Roxanne Dockter NonincumbentAsked Sep 29, 2026 by email. No answer yet.
  • David Preston Jr. IncumbentAsked Sep 29, 2026 by email. No answer yet.
  • Jason Boyd NonincumbentNot asked yet.

This race, in their own words

Learning Community of Douglas & Sarpy Counties, Subcouncil 03, general election 2026

3 on the ballot · checked against the Secretary of State's certified list

  • Corwin Keller NonincumbentAsked Sep 29, 2026 by email. No answer yet.
  • Suzie Fogarty NonincumbentAsked Sep 29, 2026 by email. No answer yet.
  • Maggie Duffy NonincumbentNot asked yet.

This race, in their own words

Learning Community of Douglas & Sarpy Counties, Subcouncil 05, general election 2026

4 on the ballot · checked against the Secretary of State's certified list

  • Sarah Dragon NonincumbentAsked Sep 29, 2026 by email. No answer yet.
  • Mayra Piedrahita NonincumbentAsked Sep 29, 2026 by email. No answer yet.
  • Tonya Ward IncumbentNot asked yet.
  • Linda Vermooten NonincumbentAsked Sep 29, 2026: COULD NOT BE DELIVERED

This race, in their own words

Metropolitan Community College Board of Governors

What this office decides: we have not written this explainer yet. Unfinished homework.

Metropolitan Community College Board of Governors, District 01, general election 2026

1 on the ballot · one candidate, unopposed · checked against the Secretary of State's certified list

  • Phillip Klein IncumbentAsked Sep 29, 2026 by text. No answer yet.

This race, in their own words

Metropolitan Community College Board of Governors, District 02, general election 2026

1 on the ballot · one candidate, unopposed · checked against the Secretary of State's certified list

  • Tammy L. Wright IncumbentAsked Sep 29, 2026 by email. No answer yet.

This race, in their own words

Metropolitan Community College Board of Governors, District 03, general election 2026

1 on the ballot · one candidate, unopposed · checked against the Secretary of State's certified list

  • Maureen K. Monahan IncumbentAsked Sep 29, 2026 by text. No answer yet.

This race, in their own words

Metropolitan Community College Board of Governors, District 04, general election 2026

1 on the ballot · one candidate, unopposed · checked against the Secretary of State's certified list

This race, in their own words

Metropolitan Community College Board of Governors, District 05, general election 2026

1 on the ballot · one candidate, unopposed · checked against the Secretary of State's certified list

  • Mary Trecek NonincumbentWrote back Sep 29, 2026. Their words are not printed yet.

This race, in their own words

Metropolitan Community College Board of Governors, At Large, general election 2026

2 on the ballot · checked against the Secretary of State's certified list

  • Kristen DuPree IncumbentWrote back Sep 30, 2026. Their words are not printed yet.
  • Paul Anderson NonincumbentWrote back Oct 1, 2026. Their words are not printed yet.

This race, in their own words

Educational Service Unit No. 3 Board

What this office decides: we have not written this explainer yet. Unfinished homework.

Educational Service Unit No. 3 Board, District 01, general election 2026

1 on the ballot · one candidate, unopposed · checked against the Secretary of State's certified list

  • Stan Turner IncumbentNot asked yet.

This race, in their own words

Educational Service Unit No. 3 Board, District 03, general election 2026

1 on the ballot · one candidate, unopposed · checked against the Secretary of State's certified list

  • Marla Fries IncumbentNot asked yet.

This race, in their own words

Educational Service Unit No. 3 Board, District 05, general election 2026

2 on the ballot · checked against the Secretary of State's certified list

  • Dale William Brandsberg NonincumbentNot asked yet.
  • Brett Kuhn IncumbentNot asked yet.

This race, in their own words

Educational Service Unit No. 3 Board, District 07, general election 2026

1 on the ballot · one candidate, unopposed · checked against the Secretary of State's certified list

  • Brenda Sherman IncumbentNot asked yet.

This race, in their own words

Still unfinished

This is not the whole ballot yet. County and city offices, judges up for retention, and more boards are still on the list. See Angel's List. Beta means incomplete. It never means fake.

Angel Loza · Omaha, Nebraska · rebuilt 2026-10-04 from the project's own roster

No party · No ads · No tracking · Every number sourced · Free, always