Two abortion-related petitions certified for ballot

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Secretary of State’s Elections Division has certified two constitutional amendment petitions, Protect the Right to Abortion and Protect Women and Children, for the November 5 general election ballot. Both petitions have met signature requirements within the 40-day verification period, as mandated by Nebraska law.

In Red Willow County, 43 voters signed the Protect the Right to Abortion petition—falling below the 5% threshold of 350 signatures required for local certification. In contrast, the Protect Women and Children petition garnered 1,028 signatures, nearly triple the necessary 350.

“This could be the first time in Nebraska history that two directly conflicting measures appear on the same ballot,” Secretary of State Bob Evnen noted, applauding county election workers for their efforts. The petitions, both aimed at amending the state constitution, have raised the possibility of voter confusion due to their opposing objectives.

The Protect the Right to Abortion petition received more than 136,000 valid signatures from voters across 47 counties. Similarly, the Protect Women and Children petition achieved the same number of signatures, with support from voters in 86 counties. Both petitions surpassed the 110% signature threshold set by state law. Affidavits were filed by individuals requesting removal of their signatures from both petitions, with 14 affidavits filed against Protect the Right to Abortion and 312 against Protect Women and Children.

In Nebraska, ballot measures require more "For" votes than "Against" votes and at least 35% of total votes cast to pass. If conflicting measures are both successful, the one with the higher number of "For" votes will prevail. The Governor is responsible for determining any conflicts between the measures.

Currently, three ballot measures are approved for November: Paid Sick Leave, Protect the Right to Abortion, and Protect Women and Children. The Secretary of State's office will hold public hearings and distribute informational brochures in Nebraska’s three congressional districts before the election.

Other petitions, including those related to medical cannabis and private education, are still being processed ahead of the September 13 certification deadline for the November ballot.