Republican National Committee sues Nebraska Secretary of State over election law

LINCOLN, Neb. —

The Republican National Committee is suing Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen over a state election law that dates back more than a decade, arguing it allows some people who have never lived in Nebraska to vote in state elections.

The lawsuit, filed this week in Lancaster County District Court, challenges a 2010 law passed by the Nebraska Legislature to comply with federal voting requirements.

The RNC argues the law conflicts with the Nebraska Constitution.

“Nebraska’s Constitution is clear: voters must live in Nebraska,” RNC Chairman Joe Gruters said in a statement.

Scott Petersen, who ousted Evnen in the May primary, supports the lawsuit and called it a necessary correction to instill trust in elections.

“It’s cleaning up something that is probably unconstitutional,” Petersen said. “The reality is someone could never be a resident of Nebraska and vote in our election. I think that’s the big issue.”

The Secretary of State’s Office said it forwarded the lawsuit to the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office but declined further comment.

The legal challenge drew criticism from voting rights groups and Democrats, who argue the law protects the voting rights of U.S. citizens living overseas with ties to Nebraska.

Common Cause, which previously sued Evnen over efforts involving voter data, defended the secretary of state’s office.

“What this lawsuit is, is a direct attack on those children of people who have dedicated their life to the service of our country,” said Dan Vicuña, with Common Cause. “These are U.S. citizens who happen to live overseas and, because of their parents, have clear ties to Nebraska.”

The Nebraska Democratic Party also condemned the lawsuit, warning it could disenfranchise voters.

“Nebraska Republicans are so afraid of voters — because of their radical, failed policies — that they’re now trying to deny Americans the right to vote,” Chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party Jane Kleeb said. “Military families and Americans working overseas have children who are, per our Constitution, Americans too. This lawsuit says those young people wouldn’t be allowed to vote.”

Sarah Slattery, the Democratic nominee for secretary of state, accused Republicans of targeting voters.

“Rather than having candidates that voters can get excited about and get behind, they would rather suppress the votes,” Slattery said.

It remains unclear how many voters could be affected if the law is changed. Petersen said the issue is likely limited in scope.

“It’s more housekeeping than anything,” Petersen said. “Does it affect a lot of people? Probably not.”

Petersen said he would likely pursue a policy change if he’s elected secretary of state if the lawsuit fails in the courts.

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