- Nebraska’s electoral college votes are currently allocated by district.
- The NEGOP is advocating that the state adopt a winner-take-all system, as most states do.
- A local group is actively opposed to the proposed electoral changes.
- The debate focuses on preserving Nebraska’s distinct electoral system.
Nebraska’s ‘blue dot’ made headlines around the world in 2024 because our state is one of two that designates electoral college votes based on district; in the last election, CD2 gave Kamala Harris an electoral college vote, while the other went to Donald Trump. However, this system may change if LB3 and LR24CA are implemented.
The Nebraska Republican Party is pushing for the state to become more like the other 48 states. According to Blue Dot organizers Jason Brown and Ruth Huebner-Brown, the current system preserves Nebraska’s uniqueness.
“If we just took a step back and considered what is best for Nebraska, we might be able to reach an agreement on this issue.” What is best for Nebraska, what brings dollars into the state, and what puts us on the map with DC? What receives the grants? What attracts only attention? And if we look at it from that angle,” Huebner-Brown explained. “I feel like we should be able to agree on this one, so it is not as contentious to me as you know some of the topics because it is us versus them,” Huebner-Brown explained.
Blue Dot signs are still in yards across Omaha; the browns say it is because they are not specific to the election, but rather a symbol of CD2’s voice
“It is not about who gets elected, is it? Do we have people out there getting involved? They are excited. “They believe they can make a difference,” said Brown.
This is not the first time Winner Take All has been discussed in the Legislature; it was a hot topic in the spring when Senator Mike McDonnell switched political parties, but Republican lawmakers were unable to secure enough votes.
“We were a couple of votes short, and since then, we have had a new election, so there is a new crop of 17 new state senators here in Nebraska out of 49 state senators, and as you are probably aware, Nebraska is a one-house unicameral, so we only have the Nebraska State Senate. I have been talking to some of my colleagues about Winner take all, and there appears to be a lot of interest in it,” Lippincott said.
Senator Lippincott supports the change, believing it will level the playing field for rural communities.
“The main takeaway point on this is that the Electoral College, winner take all, US senators spread out the voice and representation to rural areas and ensures that we do not have pockets of populated areas, then, just overshadowing the rural areas of America,” according to Lippincott.
Tim Conn, who has lived in Omaha his entire life, says he will travel from Omaha to speak on behalf of the current system.
“We, the people are considered the second house in Nebraska’s legislature, so we should be involved,” Conn replied.
Thursday Nebraskans are welcome to testify for or against LB3 and LR24CA. The hearing will begin at 1:30 p.m. in Room 1507 of the Capitol. If you are unable to attend in person, you may submit comments through the bill tracking page.
