Becky Conners recently wrote about utilizing Activate America to get out the vote, noting that "higher voter participation strengthens our communities and ensures that a broader range of voices are represented." (Journal Star, Aug. 21).
The same argument is made in favor of vote by mail. And yet when Lincoln held its 2020 school bond vote entirely by mail, the response rate was a sad 34%.
Sadder still was that the most recent city primary vote drew 25% of registered voters, and the last city general election was 27%.
But the 2024 nationwide general election saw 78% voter participation for the county.
Last year, state Sen. John Cavanaugh proposed, and the state passed, legislation allowing Lincoln and Omaha to move the dates of their local elections so that they could coincide with presidential elections.
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"Cavanaugh said having the races in November could help boost turnout and also save on money and manpower for local election officials," reported the Omaha World-Herald.
I don't think there is any question about either of those. The question is, why has Lincoln not put this before the voters for a decision. If the petition effort succeeds in getting this on the ballot, Lincoln voters will finally get their chance to be heard.
If Lincoln can double or triple its voter turnout just by changing the date, we should do it.
Kris Thompson, Lincoln
