Jan. 6 inspired bill aims to improve voter confidence by making voter fraud a felony

LINCOLN, Neb. — The violence we saw one year ago came as many claimed the election had been stolen. Now a Nebraska state senator addresses what he sees as the problem, with a proposal to make voter fraud a felony.

Thousands marched to the capitol as Congress prepared to make election results official.

Senator Tom Briese says the events of that day show a need to assure voters that elections are fair.

“The anniversary of January 6 reminds us of the importance of integrity in the voting process and the public's confidence in the process,” Briese said.

Now he brings legislation to enhance penalties for voter fraud in Nebraska.

“Illegal manipulation of election results through fraud, extortion, theft a Class II felony,” he explained.

To be clear, Briese is not saying past election results were fraudulent. But he says he's concerned about that perception and sees this as a way to address that.

Briese said, “Voter fraud whether real or imagined I believe poses a serious threat to our republic and I believe we need to prevent voter fraud and increase the public's confidence in the system.”

“I don't think it's the purview of the legislature to regulate people's perceptions,” said Sen. John Cavanaugh.

Cavanaugh says there's little to no evidence of voter fraud in Nebraska and he's concerned about efforts that address a problem that doesn't exist.

“Election security is important and we should invest to make sure elections are safe, secure, and accessible and so we shouldn't use real or perceived fraud as an opportunity to limit access to the ballot,” Cavanaugh said.

Briese's bill would not change the voting process. He says he believes in the integrity of Nebraska elections and sees this as a way to reassure Nebraskans.

“Assure the public there is likely no fraud in Nebraska,” he said.

The next step for LB828 will be a public hearing. No hearing date has been scheduled.