As Election Day gets closer, many of us are preparing to cast our votes through mail in ballots, early voting, or voting on election day. At Friendship Home, we recognize the barriers that someone experiencing domestic violence may face when attempting to cast their vote in a safe way. As a survivor, you deserve to exercise your right to vote as much as anyone else!
Survivors of domestic violence may face barriers to casting their ballot that many of us would never consider. For example, survivors and advocates know that one of the most common tactics of abusers to maintain a sense of control over their partner is to steal their important documents like their ID, birth certificate, and social security card. This presents survivors in Nebraska that wish to vote with a new problem as Nebraska recently passed a new Voter ID law, requiring all voters to present their ID before casting their ballot.
If you are a survivor that wants to vote in the upcoming election, make sure you keep your ID somewhere safe if you can. Try leaving it at work, with a trusted friend or family member, or somewhere you know your abusive partner wouldn’t think to look. You can also get a free ID for voting, but times may vary depending on how long it takes to process your application and get it sent to you. You can learn more here: How To Obtain an ID – Lancaster County.
Your ID does not have to have your current address or even be a valid ID. The only requirement is that it has your name and your photo on it. Here is a list of what forms of ID are and are not accepted: Voter ID Information
If you are worried that your abusive partner will not let you vote, Lincoln has early in person voting at the Lancaster County Election Commission Office. Beginning Monday, October 25th the office will be open for extended hours to make voting more accessible for people that may not be able to make it to their polling location on Election Day. If you are able to stop by while you are out at work, running errands, or picking up your kids, early, in-person voting is simple and easy! You can find their extended office hours here, Lancaster County Election Commission
Finally, it is important to remember that your vote is secret! If you and your partner go to the polls together, you can still vote however you’d like. When you get to your polling location, each of you will be taken to your own private area to vote. Doing your research ahead of time means you may be able to quickly fill out your ballot and slide it into the ballot box without your partner ever having the chance to see how you voted. You never have to share how you voted with anyone and if it means staying safe. While your voter registration is public information in Nebraska, your ballot is always private unless you choose to share it.
For more information on staying safe while voting you can check out this article from the National Network to End Domestic Violence. Safe Voting Tips for Survivors
About the Author
Sydney started at Friendship Home as an Intern, then became a staff member in 2021 and has held the following positions: Advocate, Case Manager and most recently Intern/Volunteer Coordinator.
