(KLZA)-- Those wanting to end the secret ballot voting in the Nebraska Legislature say they have enough votes to get the rules changed in the 2023 session which begins January 4. Seventeen new state senators will take their seats that day.
Even if that happens, there is no guarantee the effort would succeed under the current Legislative structure.
Backers of change say secret ballots prevent the elections from being decided on partisan lines, while other argue it undermines transparency.
The secret ballots are used in voting for committee chair people. There are 14 standing committees in the Nebraska Legislature. Those committee chairs hold the majority of the body's political power.
Under the secret ballot system, Democrats in the Legislature, which is dominated by Republicans, are sometimes chosen by their peers to chair committees.
While the debate has gone on for years, supporters of secret ballots have been able to thwart efforts to change the rules.
It would take 25 votes, which is a majority of the legislative body to change the rules. Supports say they have that number of votes.
First District State Senator Julie Slama said by having a secret ballot, “we are keeping Nebraskans from the knowledge that we have promised them. She calls it “demeaning to all Nebraskan's who have a right to know what their representatives are voting for.”
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Cold case investigation leads to Holton warrant
Horton City Clerk's resignation accepted Monday
Effingham owner regains truck following theft, arrest
Former Kickapoo Tribal chairman arrested
Local residents avoid injury in chain reaction crash
Winchester native named as Amberwell CEO
Holton property search concludes with arrest
Mayetta pair arrested on meth, child endangerment charges
Stolen trailer, 4-wheeler, recovered in Atchison
Juveniles face charges following Atchison break-in
Atchison Co's Oswald named honorary bailiff for KS Court
Rural Horton man charged in alleged beating
Two arrested following Friday Jackson Co traffic stop
McLouth man injured in Monday wreck
No injuries in early Sunday morning house fire in Falls City
Senator Slama on tax relief efforts
KS prepares for severe weekend weather
Commission approves agreement for budget help
LATEST STORIES
KS prepares for severe weekend weather
Richardson County Board approves pay raise for dispatchers
NPPD urges farmers to be safe around power lines
Arbor Day proclaimed in Atchison
Former AG Schmidt running for KS' 2nd Congressional District
Doniphan Co Commission approves overlay projects
Rural Horton man charged in alleged beating
Holton property search concludes with arrest