Brian Kruse is the Douglas County Election Commissioner. This is a 4 year appointed position by the Governor of Nebraska.
The office is on 114 and Davenport. There are 13 full time employees. The chief deputy is mandated to be from an opposite party.
This year the registration increased to over 350,000. Registration is now available online. And this year was a record year. There was 69.8% turn out this last presidential election. Two other issues drove people to vote this year, according to Brian, beside presidential – the death penalty and the congregational race.
In comparison, usually 28% of registered voters turn out for mayor election in May.
Poll workers can be drafted in Nebraska. This is unique to this state. Douglas county is the only county to use this method. 40% of poll workers are draftees. A draftee has to work 4 elections. This process works similar to jury duty. Poll draftees can seek exemption. Poll draftees get paid minimum wage. Employers are not allowed to penalize or otherwise interfere with draftees employment.
Thank you Brian for all the information. Kiwanis members can contact Brian for more information.