Strong local, statewide voter turnout

McCOOK, Neb. — Presidential and Senate races coupled with important issues such as McCook’s school bond resulted in heavy turnout both locally and statewide, according to officials.

Red Willow County tied the 2020 voter turnout record with 76% of registered voters turning in ballots, according to County Clerk Penelope Cooper. Other high turnouts included 2018 with 72%, 2012 with 69% and 2008 with 67%.

Nebraska’s 2024 General Election had the second-highest number of votes cast in Nebraska’s election history with 934,188 ballots cast. In addition, several thousand early voting and provisional ballots remain to be counted. Preliminary turnout data shows that 73.9% of registered Nebraska voters voted in the 2024 General Election. Turnout could inch up slightly as the remaining ballots are counted.The 2020 election had the largest number of votes case, 966,920 statewide. The 1968 general election had the highest turnout, 80.8%.

“County election offices reported consistent voter turnout throughout Election Day with almost all voters prepared to fulfill the new voter ID requirement,” Secretary of State Bob Evnen said. “County election officials and poll workers ensured a smooth and secure Election Day for thousands of Nebraskans. They deserve our gratitude for their outstanding service to Nebraska.”

Voters who did not have an accepted ID on Election Day were able to vote provisionally. For their ballots to be accepted, those voters can present their acceptable ID to their county election office by the end of the business day on Tuesday, Nov. 12.

Unofficial election results are posted at electionresults.nebraska.gov. As with every statewide election, the Secretary of State’s office and county election officials will conduct a post-election audit to verify the accuracy of the results. Additionally, county election offices will do their own checks and balances, such as canvassing their results. Members of the Nebraska State Board of Canvassers will convene Dec. 2 to certify election results