More than 100 potential voters register at UNMC

Kelly Long, center, was just one of 101 people at UNMC who registered to vote on Oct. 7 with the help of the League of Women Voters. In addition, 46 students, faculty and staff members signed up to receive early voter ballots.

Kelly Long was just one of 101 UNMC faculty, staff members and students who registered to vote a week ago at the League of Women Voters’ booths outside the University Tower and in the Sorrell Center.

A graduate student in the Biomedical Research Training Program, Long completed her undergraduate degree in Florida and recently moved to Nebraska.

“I live here now and I want to make my voice count,” she said, adding that she’ll be heading to the polls on Nov. 4.

Jeremy Peterson of Atkinson, Neb., won’t be able to make it to the polls back home for the election this year because of his M1 schedule. But he did fill out a form to have an early voter ballot mailed to him.

How to stay informed If you want to stay informed about federal and state legislative issues that impact UNMC, join the free UNMC Delegates program. Delegates are leaders who advocate on behalf of UNMC to public policy makers, such as senators and representatives in the Nebraska State Legislature and U.S. Congress. Delegates help to strengthen UNMC’s academic programs and support research in a way that benefits all Nebraska citizens by making their voices known on issues of importance to UNMC and Nebraska. Delegates receive: An invitation to attend a Delegates-only annual meeting with Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D.; An invitation to a quarterly forum featuring a conversation with a health care policy expert; Regular e-mail communication including legislative updates and advance notice of UNMC outreach events; Calls to action to policy makers. Delegates will be notified when key votes affecting UNMC are expected in federal, state and local governmental bodies; and Monthly electronic newsletter updates on congressional and state legislative activity. To register to become a UNMC Delegate, visit www.unmc.edu/dept/unmcdelegates.

Atkinson was one of 46 people who did so with the help of the League of Women Voters.

“We really encourage people to vote by mail with an early voter ballot,” said Sue Moskovits, league member. “It’s helpful because you don’t have to try to figure out a) where your polling place is, or b) how to get there.

“Too many folks work and before and after work are the busiest times with the longest lines at the polls.”

The last day to request an early voter ballot this year is Wednesday, Oct. 29. Ballots must be received by the Election Office by 8 p.m. on Nov. 4. The deadline to register to vote is this Friday (Oct. 17). Courtesy of the League, voter guides are available in the rack outside the Nebraska Cafe.

Barbara Tripp, voter service chairwoman and past-president of the non-partisan League of Women Voters of Greater Omaha, was pleased with the number of people who registered and/or signed up for an early voter ballot at UNMC.

“We were very happy with the turnout,” she said. “There’s another election in April, and we would love to come back to register more people.”