Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee
January 30, 2025
Committee Chair: Sen. Rita Sanders | Bills Heard: 2 | Full Transcript (PDF)
LB3: Change Electoral College vote allocation from congressional district method to winner-take-all
Introduced by: Sen. Loren Lippincott | Testimony: 414 proponents, 1369 opponents, 3 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Nebraska's unique electoral vote system faces sustained challenge from governor-backed winner-take-all bill. LB3 would eliminate the congressional district method Nebraska has used since 1992, returning to a system where all five electoral votes go to the statewide popular vote winner.
Why it matters: The hearing revealed a stark divide between Nebraskans who see the split system as essential to fair representation and those who view it as an outdated experiment. With 1,369 opponents versus 414 proponents testifying, the public clearly favors the status quo. The outcome will determine whether minority-party voters in Nebraska feel their presidential votes matter.
What they're saying: - Proponents: "Winner-take-all unifies Nebraska's voice and prevents power concentration in populated areas. The current system hasn't delivered promised benefits of candidate visits or economic gains." - Opponents: "This disenfranchises hundreds of thousands of voters. Our system increases turnout and shows democracy works. Nebraska should lead, not follow other states."
By the numbers: Testimony tally showed 414 proponents, 1,369 opponents, and 3 neutral positions. A nonpartisan focus group found 91.83% of Nebraskans want to keep the current system. Since 1992, the split has awarded 42 electoral votes to Republicans and 3 to Democrats.
What's next: No vote was taken in committee. The hearing lasted nearly eight hours with over 100 testifiers. The bill remains in committee, where its fate depends on whether senators prioritize the governor's agenda or constituent preferences.
Committee sentiment: Opposed: Sen. John Cavanaugh, Sen. Megan Hunt Unclear: Sen. Bob Andersen, Sen. Dan Lonowski, Sen. Dan McKeon
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LR24CA: Proposed constitutional amendment to return to winner-take-all electoral vote allocation
Introduced by: Sen. Myron Dorn | Testimony: 172 proponents, 728 opponents, 4 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Constitutional amendment to enshrine winner-take-all faces even steeper opposition than the statutory bill. LR24CA would place the electoral vote question on the 2026 ballot, but the governor's own office testified against it, preferring legislative flexibility.
Why it matters: The amendment's defeat in testimony suggests Nebraskans want to preserve their unique system and that even the governor worries about locking policy into the constitution. The 728-172 opponent-to-proponent ratio was more lopsided than for LB3.
What they're saying: - Proponents: "Let voters decide this fundamental question directly through a ballot measure." - Opponents: "This locks us into winner-take-all permanently. If our population centers grow, we'll be stuck with a system that no longer serves us."
By the numbers: 728 opponents, 172 proponents, 4 neutral. The governor's office explicitly opposed the amendment while supporting the statutory bill.
What's next: No vote was taken. Sen. Dorn indicated he would hold the resolution in committee and support LB3 instead, suggesting the governor's statutory approach is the administration's priority.
Committee sentiment: Skeptical: Sen. John Cavanaugh
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
Session Notes
The hearing lasted approximately eight hours, from approximately 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Over 100 members of the public testified. A five-minute break was taken mid-hearing to allow overflow room attendees to move forward. The committee heard opening statements from both bill introducers (Sen. Lippincott for LB3 and Sen. Dorn for LR24CA), testimony from the Governor's Office (Kenny Zoeller), and extensive public testimony. The hearing was conducted as a combined hearing on both bills due to similar topics. No votes were taken on either bill. Written position comments submitted prior to the hearing totaled: LB3 proponents 414, opponents 1,369, neutral 3; LR24CA proponents 172, opponents 728, neutral 4. Additional ADA accommodation written testimony was submitted: LB3 opponents 2; LR24CA neutral 1.
Generated by NE Wire Service | Source: Nebraska Legislature Transcribers Office This is an AI-generated summary. Verify all claims against the official transcript.