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Election Day: Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Nebraska & Iowa Voter Guide

Know who you're voting for. This guide covers all statewide and federal candidates on the November 2026 ballot for both states — including where they stand on abortion, LGBTQ+ issues, and other key topics — plus everything you need to know about registering, deadlines, and casting your vote. Local, county, school board, judicial, and legislative district races vary by address — use the official sample-ballot tools linked below to see your full ballot.

Nebraska Candidates Iowa Candidates
Important: Candidate lists reflect the official Secretary of State filings as of late July 2026 and cover statewide and federal races only. Ballot measures and candidate withdrawals can change — verify with your county election office closer to Election Day. Issue positions are drawn from campaign materials, legislative records, and news coverage; sources are cited so you can verify. Where a candidate has not publicly stated a position, it is marked as "Not publicly stated." This guide is for educational purposes only.
Don't Miss the Deadline

Key Dates & Deadlines

Nebraska
Election Day
Tuesday, Nov 3, 2026
Polls open 8am–8pm CT (7am–7pm MT in Panhandle)
Online registration deadline
Oct 16, 2026 (11:59pm)
Mail registration deadline
Oct 16, 2026 (postmark)
In-person registration deadline
Oct 23, 2026 (6pm, county election office)
Early voting begins (in-person)
Oct 5, 2026 (30 days before election)
Request mailed early ballot by
Oct 23, 2026 (6pm)
Last day to vote early in person
Nov 2, 2026
Ballots must be received by
Nov 3, 2026 — close of polls

Nebraska is a no-excuse early-voting state — any registered voter can request an absentee ballot without a reason. Some rural counties conduct all-mail elections. Source

Iowa
Election Day
Tuesday, Nov 3, 2026
Polls open 7am–8pm local time
Pre-registration deadline
Oct 19, 2026 (5pm)
Mailed forms postmarked by this date count even if received later
Absentee ballot requests open
Aug 25, 2026
Early/satellite voting begins
Oct 14, 2026 (20 days before election)
Absentee ballot request deadline
Oct 19, 2026 (5pm)
Last day to vote early in person
Nov 2, 2026
Ballots must be received by
Nov 3, 2026 — 8pm (postmark alone is NOT sufficient)
Same-day registration
Available at polls with proof of ID & residency

Iowa offers same-day voter registration at your polling place with proof of identity and residency. Source

Make Sure You're Ready

How to Register to Vote

Nebraska
Online

Register at the NEReg2Vote portal. Requires a Nebraska driver's license or state ID.

By Mail

Print a form from the NE SOS site and mail to your county election office. First-time mail registrants must include a copy of valid ID or a recent utility bill/bank statement.

In Person

Register at your County Clerk/Election Commissioner's office, the DMV, DHHS, or Dept. of Education offices. You can pre-register at age 17 if you'll be 18 by Election Day.

Iowa
Online

Register through the Iowa DOT website. Requires an Iowa driver's license or non-operator ID.

By Mail

Print the form from sos.iowa.gov and mail to your County Auditor. Forms postmarked by Oct 19 count even if received later.

In Person / Same Day

Register at your County Auditor's office anytime, or register on Election Day at your polling place with proof of ID and residency. Accepted ID: Iowa driver's license, non-operator ID, military/veteran ID, U.S. passport, or Tribal ID.

Find Your Polling Place

Where & How to Vote

Nebraska

Use Nebraska's official VoterCheck system to confirm your registration, view your sample ballot, find your polling place, and track your early/absentee ballot.

Check My Registration

Early voting: Vote at your county election office from Oct 5–Nov 2.

Drop boxes: Find a drop box near you

County offices: Contact your county election office

Iowa

Visit the Iowa Secretary of State's voter portal to check your registration, find your polling place, and track your absentee ballot.

Check My Registration

Early voting: Vote at your county auditor's office or satellite stations from Oct 14–Nov 2.

Absentee by mail: Request from your county auditor starting Aug 25; deadline Oct 19.

Statewide guide: VoterReady.iowa.gov

Nebraska

Nebraska Candidates

November 3, 2026 General Election — all candidates on the ballot, by office

U.S. Senate

One seat, six-year term. Incumbent Pete Ricketts (R) was appointed in 2023 and won a special election in 2024.

Pete Ricketts
Republican

Incumbent. Former Nebraska Governor.

Abortion
Pro-Life

Strongly pro-life. Donated $500K to help pass Nebraska's 12-week abortion ban amendment. Opposes taxpayer funding of abortion.

LGBTQ+
Opposes Expansion

Opposes expanding Title IX to gender identity. Supports restricting transgender athletes in women's sports. Opposed LGBTQ-inclusive sex education.

Other

Opposes marijuana legalization. Supports death penalty. Emphasizes border security.

Campaign Site
Dan Osborn
Independent

Qualified by petition (4,000+ signatures). Former union leader.

Abortion
Personally Pro-Life, Supports Access

Personally pro-life but supports abortion access consistent with Roe v. Wade limits. Opposes national ban. Opposes late-term abortion. Describes a "libertarian approach."

LGBTQ+
Not Publicly Stated

No detailed specific policy statements found. General framing emphasizes personal freedom and limited government.

Other

Supports gun rights, union organizing, raising minimum wage, marijuana legalization, border security with pathway for undocumented workers, Social Security reform.

Campaign Site
Mike Marvin
Legal Marijuana NOW

Party platform centers on marijuana legalization.

Abortion
Not Publicly Stated
LGBTQ+
Not Publicly Stated
Other

Primary focus is marijuana legalization and criminal justice reform.

Note: Cindy Burbank won the Democratic primary but withdrew from the general election in July 2026 to consolidate opposition support behind independent Dan Osborn. Ballotpedia

U.S. House of Representatives

Nebraska has three congressional districts.

District 1 — Lincoln, Bellevue, Fremont, Norfolk

Mike Flood
Republican

Incumbent.

Abortion
Pro-Life

Opposes federal right to abortion and taxpayer-funded abortion. Rated favorably by SBA Pro-Life America.

Nebraska Voter Guide
Chris Backemeyer
Democrat

Foreign policy/national security background.

Abortion / LGBTQ+
Did Not Respond to Survey

Priorities: affordable healthcare (ACA with public option), border security + immigration reform, agriculture/rural communities, lowering costs.

Campaign Site
Nik Sandman
Libertarian
Positions
Not Publicly Stated

District 2 — Omaha Metro (Douglas County, parts of Sarpy & Saunders)

Brinker Harding
Republican

Omaha City Councilman. Incumbent Don Bacon retired.

Abortion
Pro-Life (per opposition research)

Described as "staunchly anti-choice" by the DCCC (partisan source). Ties to Nebraska Right to Life. Verify directly with his campaign.

Denise Powell
Democrat
Abortion
Pro-Choice

Active in organizing to protect abortion access. Endorsed by EMILY's List. Supports codifying Roe v. Wade, contraception access, IVF protections.

Eric Michael Foreman
Libertarian
Positions
Not Publicly Stated

District 3 — Rural Central & Western Nebraska

Adrian Smith
Republican

Incumbent since 2007.

Abortion / LGBTQ+
Not Publicly Stated (2026)

Established conservative voting record. Consult his official site or Vote Smart for current positions.

Becky Kelly Stille
Democrat

Agricultural-processing quality manager and farmer.

Abortion
Pro-Choice

Supports "reproductive rights." Also supports increased public school funding, opposes book bans.

Campaign Site
David J. Else
Legal Marijuana NOW
Positions
Not Publicly Stated

Governor

Four-year term.

Jim Pillen
Republican

Incumbent. Running mate: Joe Kelly (Lt. Gov.)

Abortion
Strongly Pro-Life

Describes abortion as "murder." Signed LB 574 (2023) combining a 12-week abortion ban with restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors. Goal of eventually ending abortion entirely.

LGBTQ+
Opposes Expansion

Signed executive order defining sex as strictly biological. Opposes transgender participation in girls' sports, bathrooms, and locker rooms. Criticizes "radical transgender agenda."

Other

Property tax reform is signature issue. Supports school choice. Opposes marijuana legalization.

Campaign Site
Lynne Walz
Democrat

Former state senator (2017–2025).

Abortion
Pro-Choice

Opposed 2023 LB 574 restrictions. Believes "government should not be telling people how to live their lives."

LGBTQ+
Generally Supportive

Introduced amendment to soften gender-affirming-care restrictions for minors — proposing regulated access with parental consent rather than an outright ban.

Campaign Site
Rick Beard
Legal Marijuana NOW
Positions
Not Publicly Stated

Other Statewide Offices

Secretary of State

Incumbent Bob Evnen (R) lost the primary to Petersen.

Scott Petersen R — Supports hand-counting ballots, restricting mail-in voting.

Sarah Slattery D — Focus on restoring public trust, expanding voter access.

Attorney General

Mike Hilgers R (Incumbent) — Consumer protection, parental rights, slowed medical marijuana implementation.

Jocelyn Brasher D — Antitrust enforcement, faster marijuana guidance, children's online safety.

State Treasurer

Joey Spellerberg R (Incumbent, appointed Nov 2025) — Fiscal conservatism, property tax relief.

Daniel Ebers D — Hotel manager; 2024 House nominee.

Auditor of Public Accounts

Mike Foley R (Incumbent) — Running unopposed. Focus on fraud detection and government efficiency.

Public Service Commissioner, District 2

Eastern Douglas County — the only PSC seat up in 2026.

Dennis McCann R — Retired public safety worker.

Wendy DeBoer D — State senator (District 10), term-limited.

Official source: Nebraska Secretary of State · Ballotpedia

Iowa

Iowa Candidates

November 3, 2026 General Election — all candidates on the ballot, by office

Governor

Open seat — Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) is retiring. Rated a "Toss-up" by Cook Political Report.

Zach Lahn
Republican

Businessman/farmer from Belle Plaine. Running mate: State Rep. Derek Wulf.

Abortion
Pro-Life

Supports a ban from conception with no stated exceptions for rape, incest, or life of the mother.

LGBTQ+
Opposes

Opposes "irreversible gender surgeries or drugs" per campaign site.

Other

Supports school choice/vouchers. Opposes eminent domain for carbon pipelines. Opposes COVID-19 vaccines. Wants 80% of school food grown in-state.

Campaign Site
Rob Sand
Democrat

Current Iowa State Auditor (since 2019). Only Democrat holding statewide office. Running mate: Dave Muhlbauer.

Abortion
Pro-Choice

Warns Republicans could target contraception, IVF, and surrogacy. Sees "no limit... other than total state control of reproduction" in GOP approach.

LGBTQ+
Mixed

Generally supportive of LGBTQ+ rights, but does not believe transgender women should compete in women's sports.

Other

Supports legalizing marijuana.

Campaign Site
Sondra Wilson
Independent

Pre-law student. Previously ran as a Democrat.

Positions
Limited Public Information

Note: Nicholas Gluba (Libertarian) was disqualified from the ballot; a legal appeal was pending.

U.S. Senate

Open seat — Sen. Joni Ernst (R) is retiring.

Ashley Hinson
Republican

Current U.S. Rep (IA-02). Former TV news anchor. Trump-endorsed.

Abortion
Pro-Life

Describes herself as pro-life with exceptions for rape, incest, and life of the mother. Co-sponsored the Life at Conception Act (which contains no exceptions). Endorsed by SBA Pro-Life America ("A+" rating).

LGBTQ+
Opposes Expansion

Opposed federal same-sex marriage legislation. Applauded Iowa's 2023 laws restricting transgender-related school policies.

Other

Focus on affordability: healthcare premiums, prescription drug costs, groceries, child care.

Campaign Site
Josh Turek
Democrat

State representative from Council Bluffs. Paralympic gold medalist.

Abortion
Pro-Choice

"Proudly pro-choice." Supports codifying Roe v. Wade. Also supports codifying rights to contraception and IVF.

LGBTQ+
Not Directly Documented

Positions need further verification from campaign materials.

Other

Supports public health insurance option, right-to-repair for farm equipment, country-of-origin labeling, water-quality programs.

Campaign Site
Thomas Laehn
Libertarian
Abortion
Pro-Life (States' Rights)

Personally "radically pro-life" and would ban all abortion at state level — but believes Congress has "zero authority" to regulate abortion federally.

LGBTQ+
Not Publicly Stated
Other

Opposes eminent domain for carbon pipelines. Opposes undeclared wars. Emphasizes separation of powers.

U.S. House of Representatives

Iowa has four congressional districts.

District 1 — Davenport, Iowa City, Southeast Iowa

Mariannette Miller-Meeks
Republican

Incumbent. Physician and Army veteran.

Abortion
Pro-Life (with exceptions)

Pro-life with exceptions for rape, incest, and life of the mother. Co-sponsored Life at Conception Act (no exceptions). Voted for Iowa's 6-week abortion ban.

LGBTQ+
Previously Opposed Same-Sex Marriage
Christina Bohannan
Democrat

University of Iowa law professor. Former state representative.

Abortion
Pro-Choice

Strongly supports codifying Roe v. Wade. Positions herself as a "reproductive rights champion."

LGBTQ+
Supportive

Supports access to gender-affirming care; has called the issue a "human rights issue."

Campaign Site
Michael Bridgford
Independent

Financial advisor from Bettendorf. First-time candidate.

Positions
Not Publicly Stated

Campaigning on opposition to the two-party system.

District 2 — Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, Dubuque (Open Seat)

Joe Mitchell
Republican

Former state representative. Real estate developer. Trump-endorsed.

Abortion
Pro-Life

Voted to amend Iowa Constitution to state no right to abortion. Voted for 24-hour waiting period. Supported defunding Planned Parenthood.

Lindsay James
Democrat

State representative from Dubuque. Ordained Presbyterian pastor/chaplain.

Abortion / LGBTQ+
Not Directly Documented

NRCC (partisan) characterized her record as supporting a "far-left agenda." Verify with campaign materials.

Dave Bushaw
Independent

Rural organizer, farmer, folk musician. Former Bernie Sanders staffer.

Positions
Not Publicly Stated

Advocates for universal health care and manufacturing resurgence.

District 3 — Des Moines Area (Toss-up)

Zach Nunn
Republican

Incumbent. U.S. Air Force officer.

Abortion
Pro-Life (with exceptions)

Opposes abortion; supports exceptions for life of mother, rape, and incest. Opposes federal ban — believes issue should be left to states. Supports IVF and adoption access.

Official Site
Sarah Trone Garriott
Democrat

State senator from West Des Moines.

Abortion
Pro-Choice

Endorsed by Reproductive Freedom for All. Consistently supported reproductive rights in state senate.

LGBTQ+
Supportive

Voted against transgender sports ban, against gender-affirming care ban for minors, and against school "bathroom bill."

Marco Battaglia
Libertarian
Positions
Not Publicly Stated

District 4 — Sioux City, Ames, Northwest Iowa (Open Seat)

Chris McGowan
Republican

President of Siouxland Chamber of Commerce. Air Force veteran. Trump-endorsed.

Positions
Not Publicly Stated
Dave Dawson
Democrat

Woodbury County prosecutor. Former state representative.

Priorities

Expanding health-care access, reducing prescription drug prices, rural hospital funding.

Jermaine Decker
Independent

Army veteran. (Candidacy needs further verification.)

Other Statewide Offices

Attorney General

Brenna Bird R (Incumbent) — Pro-life. Joined legal threat against AAP over transgender youth care support.

Nathan Willems D — Labor attorney, former state rep. Focus on wage theft, consumer protection. Site

Secretary of State

Paul Pate R (Incumbent since 2015) — Seeking 5th term.

Ryan Peterman D — Navy veteran. Focus on election security and transparency.

State Auditor

Chris Cournoyer R — Current Lt. Governor.

Taylor Wettach D — Attorney from Muscatine. Focus on defending auditor's independence.

State Treasurer

Roby Smith R (Incumbent) — Site

John Norwood D — Focus on IPERS (public pension) issues. Site

Secretary of Agriculture

Mike Naig R (Incumbent since 2018) — Former Monsanto government affairs manager.

Chris Jones D — Retired University of Iowa water-quality scientist. Author of "The Swine Republic." Endorsed by former Sen. Tom Harkin.

Official source: Iowa Secretary of State · Ballotpedia

Read Before You Vote

Ballot Measures

Nebraska

Legislative Term Limits Amendment (LR19CA)

Would change Nebraska's term-limit law from two consecutive four-year terms to three consecutive four-year terms (extending max service from 8 to 12 years). Passed the Legislature 39–10.

Online Sports Betting Initiatives (pending verification)

Two related initiatives — a constitutional amendment and a companion statute — to legalize and regulate online sports betting. Signatures submitted; verification was ongoing as of July 2026.

"Fairness for Girls" Initiative (pending verification)

Would require school sports teams to be classified as male, female, or co-ed, and bar male participation on female teams.

Total Abortion Ban Initiative — Did NOT Qualify

An effort to declare a "preborn child a person at every stage" failed to submit enough valid signatures. Will not appear on the ballot.

Verify final certified measures at sos.nebraska.gov

Iowa

Income Tax Supermajority Amendment

A constitutional amendment that would require a two-thirds (66.67%) supermajority vote in both the Iowa House and Senate to raise individual or corporate income tax rates, or create new income-type taxes — replacing the current simple-majority requirement. Passed the House 57–21. Iowa is the only state with this type of ballot measure in 2026.

Source: Ballotpedia

Background: 2024 Abortion Amendment (Already Decided)

In November 2024, Nebraska voters passed a 12-week abortion ban constitutional amendment (Initiative 434) and rejected a competing broader abortion-rights amendment (Initiative 439). These are not on the 2026 ballot.

Go Deeper

Resources

Tools, courses, and organizations to help you be an informed, engaged citizen.

For Liberty & Justice

"Mobilize the Church, wake up the city, and take a stand for Liberty and Justice." Partnering with local churches to promote Godly candidates and grassroots campaigning. Offers the For Liberty & Justice Podcast and Wake Up Church Podcast.

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Biblical Citizenship in Modern America

A free 8-week course by Rick Green and WallBuilders (David Barton). Learn the biblical foundations of America's Constitution, filmed at Independence Hall. Features Kirk Cameron, Tim Barton, and other contributors. Sign up to host at your church or home — entirely free.

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WallBuilders.com
Official Election Resources

Verify your registration, find your polling place, and view sample ballots:

Nebraska Secretary of State NE VoterCheck (Find Your Poll) Iowa Secretary of State VoterReady.iowa.gov
Nonpartisan Voter Guides
Election Protection Hotline

If you experience problems at the polls or have questions about your voting rights:

Your Vote Is Your Voice

"A constitutional republic works best when citizens follow the biblical commands on everything from obeying just laws, proper taxation, work ethic, loving your neighbor, freedom of choice, free market principles and so many other issues." — Rick Green

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