Douglas County officials face voting legal battle

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by Dara Newson

Election officials in Douglas County are in a legal battle accused of denying voters their right to cast a ballot in the 2012 election.
The issue took center stage in a hearing Friday at the Secretary of State's office.

Nebraskans for Civic Reform filed a complaint against Douglas County Election Commissioner Dave Phipps.

The Executive Director of Nebraskans for Civic Reform, alleges at certain precincts voters were asked to provide a voter identification number before receiving a provisional ballot.

Adam Morfeld says that federal law only requires that voters claim they are at the correct precinct and registered to vote in order to receive a provisional ballot and the state should follow suit.

"We asked the precinct inspector why their staff was requiring voter identification numbers and the precinct inspector stated that she was directed to do so by her district supervisor."

The hearing officer for this case will take the testimony and look at all the evidence.

He will issue a finding to Secretary Gale within 90 days of when the complaint was filed which was November 27th.

You'll remember election commissions in Douglas and Lancaster counties came under fire after eliminating precincts prior to the 2012 election.

They were criticized for trying to suppress the minority vote.

A bill introduced in the legislature, LB 183 would change how those positions are appointed.

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