RNC Takes Nebraska 'Never-Resident' Voting Law to State Supreme Court

The Republican National Committee, together with Nebraska residents Jack Riggins and Pamela Dingman, is appealing a district court ruling that affirmed a 2005 Nebraska law permitting overseas U.S. citizens who have never lived in the state to vote absentee when a parent is registered there. The RNC asserts the "never-resident" clause undermines election integrity and is pushing the dispute to the Nebraska Supreme Court, a step that could eventually bring the issue before the U.S. Supreme Court.

The statute specifies eligibility based on parental registration, and state data show 116 overseas voters are registered, with six having voted in the recent primary. Critics, including Democratic Party chair Jane Kleeb, argue the challenge threatens voting rights, while the RNC emphasizes its support for the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act. Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen’s office declined to comment amid the ongoing litigation.