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Buffalo County
  • GIS Vendor Press Release Notice

    NOTICE: GIS Vendor Press Release - Scheduled for July 1,2024

  • October 17th, 2024 - Sheriff's Sale for Motorcycle

    Said sale to be held at 10:00 o’clock a.m. on the 17th  day of October, 2024 at the Buffalo County South Impound Lot - located at 321 Central Ave, City of Kearney, Buffalo County, Nebraska.

    Full Details

  • October 17th - Sheriff's Sale for House

    Said sale to be held at 09:00 o’clock a.m. on the 17th day of October 2024 at the Central Lobby of the Courthouse, City of Kearney, Buffalo County, Nebraska.

    Full Details

    
Election
General Election Information


Photo ID Info


Fact vs. Fake



ExpressVote

The ExpressVote is:

• A paper-based marking device that uses touch-screen technology to produce a paper ballot

• ADA friendly-has ports for headphones and other accessibility devices

• Easier to read because of visual aids that include high contrast and zoom functionality

• Available to everyone for use at each polling location on election day

• Available for use at the Election Office 30 days before any election date

 

How to vote on the ExpressVote - essvote.com/blog/video/video-expressvote-how-to-vote/


2020 Primary Election Info

    Sample Ballots
  • Republican Sample BallotPlease note that NOT all candidates or races will appear on your specific ballot due to varying districts across Buffalo County.
  • Nonpartisan Republican Sample BallotPlease note that NOT all candidates or races will appear on your specific ballot due to varying districts across Buffalo County.
  • Democratic Sample BallotPlease note that NOT all candidates or races will appear on your specific ballot due to varying districts across Buffalo County.
  • Nonpartisan Democratic Sample BallotPlease note that NOT all candidates or races will appear on your specific ballot due to varying districts across Buffalo County.
  • Libertarian Sample BallotPlease note that NOT all candidates or races will appear on your specific ballot due to varying districts across Buffalo County.
  • Nonpartisan Libertarian Sample BallotPlease note that NOT all candidates or races will appear on your specific ballot due to varying districts across Buffalo County.
  • Nonpartisan Sample BallotPlease note that NOT all candidates or races will appear on your specific ballot due to varying districts across Buffalo County.

Election Commissioner Calendar


Committee Appointments

                    2024 Committee Appointments

Committee Name Committee Members

Budget & Finance

Sherry Morrow - Chair

Dan Lynch

Bill D. Maendele

Facilities OMP

Sherry Morrow - Chair

Ivan Klein

Tim Higgins

Information Technology

Myron Kouba - Chair

Dan Lynch

Ivan Klein

Road & Bridge

Ivan Klein - Chair

Myron Kouba

Ron Loeffelholz

Noxious Weed District

Ron Loeffelholz - Chair

Ivan Klein

Myron Kouba

Human Resources/Insurance

Myron Kouba - Chair

Tim Higgins

Bill D. Maendele

Public Safety, Law Enforcement, & Emergency Management

Dan Lynch - Chair

Ron Loeffelholz

Sherry Morrow

Court & Judicial

Bill D. Maendele - Chair

Ivan Klein

Sherry Morrow

Veterans Service

Myron Kouba - Chair

Bill D. Maendele

Ivan Klein

Zoning/Flood Plain

Ron Loeffelholz - Chair

Dan Lynch

Bill D. Maendele

Extension/Agricultural Society

Ron Loeffelholz - Chair

Myron Kouba

Tim Higgins

Election Commission

Bill D. Maendele - Chair 

Tim Higgins

Dan Lynch               

Legislative

Tim Higgins - Chair

Sherry Morrow

Ivan Klein

Ravenna Lake/Campgrounds Advisory

Tim Higgins - Chair

Ivan Klein

Ron Loeffelholz   

County Official Council

Tim Higgins - Chair

Sherry Morrow

Myron Kouba

 Law Enforcement Center Committee

Sherry Morrow - Chair

Dan Lynch

Tim Higgins

 

                            2024 Agency Appointments

Agency Appointee(s)

Airport Zoning Board

Tim Higgins

Buffalo County Economic Development Council

Sherry Morrow

Dan Lynch

Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska Board

Myron Kouba

Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce

Bill D. Maendele

Kearney Area Visitors Bureau Advisory Board

 Tim Higgins

Mid-Nebraska Individual Services Advisory Board

Ivan Klein

Region III Governing Board

Bill D. Maendele

Solid Waste Agency

Ron Loeffelholz

South Central Economic Development Council

Bill D. Maendele

South Central Nebraska Area Agency On Aging Governing Board

Ivan Klein

Two River Public Health Department

Daniel Lynch

 

                    2024 State Agency Appointments

Agency Appointee(s)

Nebraska Jail Standards Board

Sherry Morrow

Wireless Enhanced 911 Advisory Board

Tim Higgins

Assessor Calendar

   
 Jan 01 Assessment of Real Property (Discovery, List, Value)   77-1301
 Jan 01 Assessment of Personal Property (Discovery, List, Value)   77-1201
 Jan 01 R R  & Pub Serv req’d Report Non-Operating
Property to Assessor.  77-606 & 77-801 & Calendar
for Railroads & Public Service Entities.
 Jan 01 Effective Date for Filing: Homestead Exemption Claimants MUST be (a) Owner of Record and (b) Occupy the homestead. (c) MUST be 65 or older.(d) Effective Date of Disability and Filing Status.     77-3502   77-3505
 Jan 15 Mobile Home Court Owner et al files Report w Assessor 77-3706
 Jan 31 Gov’l Subdivisions provide Assr Off w COPIES OF LEASES or descriptions of Leased property.   77-202.11
 Jan 31 Deadline for county Board of Equalization to petition the Tax Equalization & Review        Commission for use of a different approach to value rent-restricted housing projects.                            (LB 356)    77-1333
Feb 01 Assessor makes recommendations on permissive exemption applications Form 451.                          To Board of Equalization.  Notice must be published in the paper, ten days prior to consideration of applications by the B O E that a list of organizations seeking permissive exemptions, legal descriptions, and  Assessor
recommendations is available in  the Assessor’s Office.  77-202.01
Feb 01 Statements of Reaffirmation Form 451A do not need to be approved by the BOE only by Assessor.   77-202.01
Feb 01 Assr issues notice of approval / denial Beginning Farmer Exemption Form 1027                                77-5209.02
Feb 01 Aircraft Report  filed with Assessor.   77-1250.02
Feb 01 Last day P.T.A. provide counties w Printed Claim Forms and Address Lists of prior year applicants.     77-3510
Feb 01 First day for claimants to file NE Homestead Exemption App or Certification of Status.              May fall on Feb 2 or 3 if Feb 1 is on Sat or Sun.       77-3512,  77-3513, 77-3514
Feb 28 Seeking Separate Taxation of IOLL &
LAND File Form 402 Improvements on Leased Land Assessment Application   77-1376
Mar 01 Certify  to P.T.A whether or not Ag & Hort Land are influenced by prices outside of the typical ag-hort land market. REG 17-003.03
If Special Valuation is used, must file specific information w P.T.A.. REG 11-005.04
Mar 01 Improvements owner on LEASED PUBLIC LAND may file Form 402P Improvements on Leased Public Land Assessment Application  77-1374
Mar 01 ASSR notifies governmental subdivisions of intent to tax property not used for public purpose
and not paying an in lieu tax.   77-202.12
Mar 01 PTA submits report of active TIF to the legislature  see Research Reports on web site. 18-2117.01
Mar 16 Deadline for written request for 
Extension of Time from PTA to file the County
Abstract of Assessment
for Real Property (Form 45) and the AVU
Directive 09-1  &   77-1514
Mar 19 Must inspect-review portion of real property parcels in county so that all real property parcels are
inspected-reviewed no less than every 6 years.  March 19, 2014 completes first 6-Year cycle   77-1311.03
Mar 19 Complete the County Abstract of Assessment  for Real Property (Form 45) with the PTA  (and the Assessed Value Update (AVU))    77-1301
Mar 19 Certify  the County Abstract of Assessment  for Real Property (Form 45) with the PTA  (and the Assessed Value Update (AVU))     77-1514
Aft Mar 19 Overvaluation or Undervaluation.  After March 19 and before July 25 (Aug 10 when extension) report to B.O.E. any overvalued or undervalued property. 77-1315.01
Anytime Duty to report to BOE all real property omitted from the assessment roll for the current or any former year except when such real property has changed ownership otherwise than by will,
inheritance, or gift.  77-1317, 77-123, 77-124, 
Anytime Correct the tax rolls as provided in section 77-1613.02 for any real property listed on the     Assessment roll but omitted from the tax
roll.  77-1316.01
Anytime BOE may meet at any time for correction of clerical errors defined in 77-128.    77-1507                      (Clerical error means transposition of numbers, mathematical error, computer malfunction               causing programming  and printing errors, data entry error, items of real property other than
land identified on the wrong parcel, incorrect ownership, or certification of an incorrect valuation
to political subdivisions.)  77-128
Mar 25 Assessorr may submit written comments to P.T.A. that become part of R & O REG 17-003.04
Apr 01 If homestead exemption notices mailed on or before Feb 01 did not contain all of The statutorily required information a 2nd notice must be sent on/before April 01. 77-3513,  77-3514
Apr 01
If homestead exemption notices mailed on or before February 1 did not contain all of The statutorily required information, a 2nd notice must be sent on or before April 1  77-3513     77-3514
Apr 01
Last day to send a RE-APPLY reminder to eligible previous year homestead Exemption
applicants.     77-3513,  77-3514
May 01 First-1/2 Real & Personal Property Taxes for Prior Year become delinquent  77-204
May 01 Deadline File Ne Personal Property Return & Schedule w/o penalty.   77-1229
May 01 Deadline w Agreement, File Form 775P &/or Form 312P  Claim for P P Exemption & supporting schedules  77-4105 (2)(c ) &  77-5725 (7)(c)   
May 01
First ½ of real & personal property taxes for prior assessment year become delinquent If unpaid in counties with less than 100,000 population.     77-204 
May 01 Deadline Physician’s Certificate for LATE
Homestead Exemption filing FORM 458L In counties less than 100,000 population.  77-3512,  77-3513,  77-3514.01
May 15 Last Day for T.E.R.C. to adjust the valuation 
of a class/sub-class of real property.  77-5028
May 30 Deadline TREA & ASSR  file FORM 458X
amended homestead exemption summary Certificate for tax loss previous year  (NOTE:  458X may be filed reflecting changes based on income ANYTIME up to 3 years after the exemption year.) 77-3523   and   77-3517
May 31 School system of County Official may request
corrections to school adjusted valuation due to tax list corrections of the prior assessment year.   79-1016
Jun 01 Assr publishes a notice in the newspaper CERTIFYING the (a)  assessment roll is Complete, (b) notices of valuation changes have been mailed, and (c) stating the final date for filing protests with the B O E   77-1315
Jun 01 Freeholder files petition with local board (Assessor, Treasurer & Clerk) to have school districts changed which is contiguous to that land.  79-458(1)
Jun 1 - Jul25 B O E holds hearings to review property valuation PROTESTS  77-1502
Jun 5 If T.E.R.C. ordered changes, Assessor re-Certifies the Abstract with PTA  77-5029
Jun 6 Assr mails assessment sales ratio stats given
by TERC to media & posts in office. 77-1315
Jun 15 Assr prepares a PLAN OF ASSESSMENT report for the next 3 years. 77-1311.02
Jun 30 Deadline for filing Homestead Exemption App
or Certification Of Status, Form 458      77-3512
Jun 30
Deadline Late Application and Written Request  B O E for Waiver of Late Filing for permissive
exemptions Forms 451 or 451A   77-202.01
Jun 30 Deadline. SPECIAL VALUATION application Ag-Hort use. Form 456  77-1345
Jun 30
Deadline  file property valuation protest with
County Clerk (for BOE)    77-1502  
Jun 30
Deadline P P Valuation Protest Returns filed
Jan 1 thru May 1 with County Clerk 77-1502
Jun 30
Deadline. SPECIAL VALUATION application Ag-Hort use. Form 456  77-1345
Jun 30  Last day to add  Personal  Property value with a 10% Penalty   77-1233.04
Jul 01 Added  Personal  Property is subject to 25%
Penalty from this date forward. 77-1233.04  
Jul 15 ASSR approves-denies SPECIAL VALUATION apps; notifies applicant before  July 22   77-1345.01
Jul 20 If deadline extension granted by B O E, new
Deadline for filing Homestead Exemption App or Certification Of Status, Form 458  77-3512
Jul 20 County Assr electronically certifies the County Personal Property Abstract Report to the P.T.A.  (beginning 2016)     (LB  259)     77-1514
Jul 22 Assr notifies applicants of special
valuation of approval or disapproval  77-1345.01
Jul 22
BOE sends notice of value change on Special Valued land if no notice previously Sent by Assr prior to June 1.
Jul 26 BOE petition T.E.R.C. for an adjustment to the valuation of a class/sub-class of property. (NOTE:  If protest period extended,  BOE waives right to petition.) 77-1504.01;   77-1502
Jul26-Aug24 Taxpayer file appeal of BOE to T.E.R.C.   77-1510
(NOTE: may file appeal to T.E.R.C. on/before Sep 10 for extended counties)
Jul 31 Last day ASSR send Notice of Rejection of Homestead Exemption  Form 458R        77-3516
Jul 31
Assr files 3-Year Plan Of Assessment with the BOE    77-1311.02
Jul 31
Last day for Annexations Pol Subs for taxable value in current year.   13-509(NOTE: Annexation by
Pol Subs on/after Aug 1 considered next year
taxable)
Aug 01 Last day FORWARD approved Homestead Exemption Application or Certification of Status, Form 458, with Disability Certifications, Form 458B, or Veterans Affairs Letters, and Form 458 Schedule I – Income Statements to Tax Commissioner.                     77-3517
Aug 01
Assr reviews ownership & use of all cemetery real property and reports to BOE.                 77-202.10
Aug 01
Last Day Pol Sub submit request for LEVY ALLOCATION to BOE or CITY.            77-3443
Aug 01
CITY or Community Redevelopment Authority (CRA) files NOTICE to Divide Tax For Comm  Redevel  Project (T I F) with the County Assr.   18-2147(3)
Aug 01 PTA certifies to T.E.R.C. the ASSR implemented the equalization orders.            77-5029
Aug 01 Tax Commissioner certifies Exempt P P for Employment & Investment Growth Act Form
775P and Nebraska Advantage Act Form
312P ; notifies Taxpayer and County Assessor.    77-4105;   77-5725(c)
Aug 02 County Clerk mails notice of  B O E  decisions
to protestors.            77-1502(4)
Aug 10 Last Day T.E.R.C. act on BOE petition..   77-1504.01
Aug 10 T.E.R.C. sets equalization rate for real property of Centrally Assessed Railroads and Public Service
Entities.   77-5022
Aug 10 PTA certifies distributed taxable value of Centrally Assessed Property to Assessor.         77-5030
Aug 15 Approved  Freeholder  Petition filed on/before June 1 of current year become Effective.    79-458(3)
Aug 15
ASSR approves/denies Homestead Exemption based on Ownership or Occupancy From Jan 1 through Aug 15  77-3502
Aug 15
Deadline for Homestead Exemption to file an Application for Transfer Form 458T   77-3509.01
Aug 20 Certify taxable valuations & growth value to political subs.  Certify current values For each T I F project  to City or Community Redevelopment Authority (CRA) and to Treasurer 13-509;   13-518;  18-2148
Aug 20 If T.E.R.C. orders changes for B O E petitions, ASSR re-certifies ABSTRACT (Form 45) to PTA     77-1504.01
Aug 24 Last day taxpayer appeals B O E decision to T.E.R.C. 77-1510
Aug 25 ASSR certifies  School District Taxable Value Report to P.T.A..   79-1016
Aug 31 Annual Inventory County Personal Property in custody of Assessor  23-347
Sep 01
Second-1/2 Real & Personal Property Taxes for Prior Year become delinquent  77-204
Sep 01
After B O E value adjustments, Assr determines AVERAGE RESIDENTAL VALUE For homestead exemption and certifies the Homestead Exemption Certification of Average Assessed Value of Single-Family Residential Property Form 458V  to PTA      77-3506.02
Sep 01
No LEVY allocation change  after this date except by agreement by LEVYING Authority and Political
Subdivision.   77-3443
Sep 10 Where B O E extended Protest Hearings, Last day Protestor appeal BOE decision to T.E.R.C 77-1510
Sep 15 B O E last day for decision on Under or Over Valued Property   77-1504
Sep 15 P.T.A. certifies the amount of Real Property TAX CREDIT to State Treasurer and to each county.             77-4212
Sep 20 BUDGETS must be Final and Filed with the levying board and State Auditor.         13-508
Sep 30 ASSR may amend  the School District Taxable Value Report for corrections or errors      79-1016
Sep 30 BOE publishes list of Permissive Exemptions and sends list and proof of publication To P.T.A. 77-202.03 (5)
Oct 1 Rent-Restricted Housing Projects  file INCOME &
EXPENSE STATEMENTSs and any Other  Info requested by Assr with both Assr & Tax Commissioner. (LB 356). 77-1333
Oct 1 Rent-Restricted Housing Projects  file INCOME &
EXPENSE STATEMENTS and any Other Info requested by Assr with both Assr & Tax Commissioner. (LB 356). 77-1333
Oct 9 Last Day for voter approval to exceed LEVY limits or final allocation at election or “town hall meeting.”   77-3444
Oct 10 P.T.A. certifies the school adjusted valuations to
Dept of Ed, School systems, and County Assessors.  79-1016
Oct 10 P.T.A.certifies the school adjusted valuations to
Dept of Ed, School systems, and County Assessors.  79-1016
Oct 13 Political Subs forward resolution setting a tax request different from the prior year to County Clerk            77-1601.02
Oct 15 LEVY DATE  Last day
B O E to set tax rates/levies   77-1601
Oct 15 Last Day taxpayer file B O E appeal to T.E.R.C. re under or over valued property      77-1504
Oct 31 Assr submits 3-Year Plan and any Amendments to Dept of Revenue  77-1311.02
Nov Rent-Restricted Hsg Projects Valuation Committee meets annually in November to Examine Rent-Restricted Hsg Projects statements & expense reports in order to Calculate a Market-derived Capitalization Rate.  (LB  356)     77-1333
Nov 1 Last Day Tax Comm  certifies qualified Homestead Exemption income determinations to the County
Assessor.   77-3517
Nov 5 Last Day B O E correct levies/tax rates as a result
of clerical error.  77-1601
Nov 10 Deadline school sys file appeal with Tax Comm
for the School Adjusted Value Certified for use in the school aid formula.   79-1016
Nov 10
 School Dis or County Off deadline  file written
request w Tax Comm correction school adjust
value due to clerical error or  SPECIAL
VALUATION ADDITIONS   79-1016
Nov 15 Deadline. EXEMPT TO EXEMPT. For an org to file a permissive exempt application For property it purchased between July 1 and levy date previously exempt.                          77-202.03
Nov 22 Deliver Signed WARRANT For Collection Of Taxes To Treasurer having completed the tax list for real and personal property.   77-1616
Nov 30 Deadline ASSR & TREA certify to P.T.A. Homestead Exemption Summary Certificate Form
458S for tax loss due to homestead exemptions for the current tax year.(Both signatures required)   77-3523
Nov 30 Deadline for ASSR & TREA certify electronically the Personal Property Tax Loss Summary Certificate for personal property exemption for locally assessed property(beginning 2016)     (LB 259)     77-1239
Dec 01 Assr files Certificate of Taxes Levied (CTL)
with P.T.A.  77-1613.01
Dec 01 City or CRA (Community Redevelopment Authority) files report with P.T.A. for approved tax
increment financing projects (T I F)   18-2117.01
Dec 01 Last day Property Tax Administrator (P.T.A.)
forwards copy of Rent-Restricted Housing Projects annual report by the Valuation Committee to ASSR for Cap Rate In determining value of rent-restricted
housing projects.  (LB 356)    77-1333
Dec 01  Deadline for ASSR to ensure sales data in state sales file is accurate and all sales Are included.   Directive 12-05
Dec 31 Real Property & Personal Property Taxes Due – LIEN DATE   77-203
Dec 31 Permissive Exemption Application deadline For newly acquired property or in years divisible by four, file Exemption Application Form 451

For interim years, file Exemption Application Form 451A

For example:  File Form 451A by Dec 31, 2014 to
reaffirm  for assesssmt year 2015 File Form 451   by Dec 31, 2015 to apply for assessmt year 2016  (which is divisible by 4) 77-202.01;   77-202.03
Dec 31 Deadline. Form 1027 Exemption App Qual Beginning Farmer / Livestock Producer Must be filed with Assr on-before Dec 31 in the year preceeding year applied for.Exemption is for
Personal Property tax on ag-hort machinery & equipment. 77-202.01;   77-5208; 77-5209.02
Dec 31
Deadline for taxpayer/owner to file Vacant or
Unimproved Lot Application, Form 191To elect to have 2 or more lots held for sale/resale to be treated as one parcel for Property tax purposes.        77-132
Dec 31
Owner petition T.E.R.C. determine taxable status of real property – if  a failure to give proper notice prevented the timely filing of a protest or appeal for exempt property.        
Dec 31
Last Day for Tax Commissioner to review income and other information for the third Preceding year and take any action.  77-3517
May 01 & Sept 01 First 1 / 2 and 2nd 1 / 2, Real and Personal Property Taxes for prior assessment year Sept 01          become delinquent, if unpaid, in counties with a population less than 100,000 pop’n.          77-204



General Election

Election Information
11/6/2012 from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Primary Election

Election Information
5/15/2012 from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Services

 Assessor
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 Prosecute cases
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 Court appoints to defend someone who can not hire their own attorney
 
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 Sheriff
 Enforce laws
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 Surveyor
 Establish boundaries
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 Division may include distance, direction, elevation and acreage
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 Zoning
 Approve and issue zoning permits
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 Conduct inspections of setbacks and uses of land

Historical Information

Buffalo County is one of only two counties in Nebraska that derived its name from an animal. Years before this area along the Platte River would become a county, large herds of buffalo grazed the river valley and the rolling plains to the north. When it came time to organize the county, it seemed fitting to name it after the animal that once roamed the area freely.

The boundaries of Buffalo County were established by the Territorial Legislature in 1855. The county was officially organized in 1864, three years before Nebraska was admitted in the Union.

Two transportation lines can be credited with the early development of the area -- the Mormon Trail and the Union Pacific Railroad.

The first settlers in this area were said to be Mormons who had headed west along the trail in 1858. But a fierce war between the Cheyenne and Sioux tribes forced these early settlers to temporarily abandon the area. When the fighting subsided, the settlers gradually returned. In time, more and more settlers came to the area because of the rich Platte River Valley and the fertile soil that could be found in the surrounding hills.

With the coming of the railroad in the 1860s, Buffalo County would continue to develop. One of the stations that sprang up was Kearney, the county seat. Originally named Fort Childs, it was later renamed Kearney Junction and finally shortened to Kearney. Moses H. Sydenham, one of the early pioneers in the county, founded a newspaper in this young settlement and used the publication to promote his idea that Kearney, with its central location, should become the capital of the United States.

Hardships such as hot, dry weather and severe blizzards were not uncommon for the early residents of the county. But the most serious challenge faced by those who worked the land was the damage done by waves of grasshoppers that swarmed over the area in the mid 1870s.

More than 115 years later, Buffalo County is a thriving agricultural and industrial area. It also pays an important role in the state's higher education system, with the University of Nebraska at Kearney located in the county seat.

The Buffalo County Courthouse

Virtually every county in Nebraska has had a county seat "fight". Gibbon was designated as the original county seat of Buffalo County, and a courthouse was constructed at that location. In 1874, after considerable agitation for the relocation of the county seat, an election was held, and a majority was cast for the relocation of the county seat at Kearney. The incident which followed the results of that election is often referred to as "stealing the courthouse records." With the results of the election already in, the County Clerk, Joseph Scott, and his deputy, F.G. Keens, loaded the county records in a farm wagon, considerably after normal business hours and arrived in Kearney about 2:00 a.m. Mr. Keens stood guard over the records for the rest of the night. The Union Pacific Railroad donated a site for a new courthouse, and built a frame building which was not occupied until January of 1886. This building served as the Buffalo County Courthouse until a new county courthouse was built and completed in 1890. The frame courthouse was then moved to a new location on First Avenue and served first as a WCTU hospital and later as a home for the Veterans of Foreign Wars.


This is a picture of the Buffalo County Courthouse that was built and completed in 1890
Buffalo County Courthouse in 1890



Buffalo County Courthouse in 1890

Another Picture of the Buffalo County Courthouse, completed in 1890. The old courthouse donated by the Union Pacific Railroad in the foreground, with the members of the Board of Supervisors.



The Old Jail. Constructed of Kansas limestone in 1876, used until construction of new jail in 1959.

Buffalo County Jail in 1876

District Courtroom
Inside the District Courtroom, second floor.


Early Voting Ballot Information

Who may apply for an early voting ballot?Checklist

Anyone who is registered to vote.

Is it possible to request an early voting ballot and register to vote by mail at the same time?

Yes, as long as this is done by the registration deadline of the 3rd Friday preceding the election.

How do I apply for and vote an early voting ballot?

An Early Voting Request Form is included in this section.  Early voting options are voting in person at the election office which starts 30 days before any election date, have the ballot mailed to you or have an agent pickup your ballot from the Election Commissioner’s Office.  Print, complete the form and either mail, email (ballots@buffalocounty.ne.gov) or fax (308-236-1868) the form back to the Election Commissioner’s Office.  However,  early voting ballots may not be voted at the Election Commissioner’s Office on Election day, you must go to your designated polling place on Election Day to vote.

2024 Early Voting Ballot Application (English)

2024 Early Voting Ballot Application (Spanish)

An Overseas/Military FPCA Request Form is available as well.

May I have someone get an early voting ballot for me?

Any registered voter may request an early voting ballot by appointing an agent to personally pick up an early voting ballot for such registered voter from the office of the Election Commissioner. The registered voter or his or her agent shall sign the request. A candidate for office at such election and any person serving on a campaign committee for such a candidate shall not act as an agent for any registered voter requesting a ballot unless such person is a member of the registered voter's family.


Early Voting Ballot deadlines


The Election Office may accept applications 120 days before an election.

Registrants may vote an early voting ballot in the election office 30 days prior to a statewide election and 15 days before special elections.

Two Friday's before the Election is the last day for the Election Office to receive early voting requests to be mailed to a specific address. (32-941)

Agents have until 7:00 p.m. election day to pick up an early voting ballot.

All early voting ballots must be received by the Election Commissioner by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.


Poll Worker Information

Have you ever considered serving as a poll worker?
If you have the following qualifications you would make an excellent poll worker!

P atriotic American Flag
O rganized
aw-abiding
iterate

W illing
O ptimistic
R esponsive
K ind
E nergetic
R esourceful

Every two years the Buffalo County Election Office must appoint an election board to serve in each precinct on Election Day. A poll worker must be a Buffalo County registered voter and able to work on Election Day from approximately 7:00 a.m. to approximately 8:00 - 8:30 p.m. The appointment is for a two-year term and you will be expected to work at every election in that term. If an emergency comes up and you are not able to work, you will need to call the election office to be replaced.
Once appointed, even if you volunteer, poll workers have the same civil leave protection as those who serve on jury duty. Your employer must allow you the time to serve without threat of loss of personal or holiday pay, sick leave, loss of overtime pay, or any other form of penalty for absence from work when serving as an election official.

Should you decide to become a poll worker, you will be expected to attend a training class prior to the next election.

Election Hours - The inspector will inform you of the time you are required to report to the polling place (usually 7:00 a.m.). You may leave as soon as the work is finished after the polls close at 8:00 p.m.

Physical Requirements with or without accommodations
1. Good eye sight and hearing.
2. Able to sit from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 
3. Inspectors must be able to lift up to 40 pounds.

Pay Scale - Election judges and clerks are paid $13 per hour and Inspectors are paid $14 per hour. Rural Inspectors picking up and returning election supplies will receive mileage at whatever the current IRS rate is at the time of the election.

Training - A training session is held prior to each Primary and General election. This is held approximately 1 week before the election date and lasts about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Poll workers will be given a manual at training and paid a set amount of $30 for attending the training. Payment will be made when your check is issued for working the election.  


Inspectors - Inspectors are in charge of the polling place election day. They are responsible for supervising board members and informing the election office if any of the board members are not adequately performing their duties. Prior to each election, the Inspectors pick up the supplies, check the polling place, make sure all necessary arrangements are made for election day and call their board members to inform them of election day plans. Election supplies are returned by the inspectors to the Election Office as soon as the polls close.

If you have questions, please contact the Election Commission at 308-236-1233.

Polling Places

Vote HereCheck the Nebraska VoterCheck Website to access your polling place address and party affiliation.

Click on your polling place below for contact information and a map.


   City of Kearney locations
   Rural County locations
Precinct #1

Grace Fellowship Church
4305 19th Avenue, Kearney

  Precinct #15 Miller Community Hall
322 W Omaha Ave, Miller
Precinct #2 First Presbyterian Church
4511 6th Ave, Kearney
  Precinct #16 Pleasanton Community Center
202 N Sycamore, Pleasanton
Precinct #3 First United Methodist Church
4500 Linden Dr, Kearney
  Precinct #17  Ravenna City Auditorium (City and Rural)
 301 Alba Ave, Ravenna
Precinct #4 Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
1208 E 47th St., Kearney
     
Precinct #5 Exhibit Bldg @ Fairgrounds
3807 N  Ave
Kearney NE 68847
  Precinct #19  Amherst Community Center
 110 N Main St, Amherst
Precinct #6 First Baptist Church
3610 6th Ave, Kearney
  Precinct #20  Prince of Peace Catholic Church
 2407 W 56th St, Kearney
Precinct #7 Activity Center at Harmon Park
3100 5th Ave, Kearney
  Precinct #21  Colony Acres Community Room
 413 1st Street, Gibbon
Precinct #8 St. James Catholic Church
3801 Ave A, Kearney
  Precinct #22  Faith United Church
 203 Garfield St, Gibbon
Precinct #9 First Lutheran Church
3315 Ave G, Kearney
  Precinct #24  Shelton Municipal Building
 219 C St, Shelton
Precinct #10 Exhibit Bldg @ Fairgrounds
3807 N  Ave
Kearney NE 68847
  Precinct #25  Elm Creek Village Center
 535 W Boyd Ave, Elm Creek
Precinct #11  Meadowlark Manor
 2110 30th Ave, Kearney
  Precinct #26  Spirit of Life Church
 3148 Dove Hill Ave, Kearney
Precinct #12  Activity Center at Harmon Park
 3100 5th Ave, Kearney
  Precinct #27  Cornerstone Berean Church
 1004 30th Ave, Kearney
Precinct #13  Peterson Senior Activities Center 
 2020 W 11th St, Kearney
  Precinct #28  Riverdale Community Center
 221 3rd Ave, Riverdale

Precinct #14

 American Legion/Bingo Hall
 1223 Central Ave, Kearney
  Precinct #29  Extension Bldg-Bison Mtg Room
 1400 E 34th St, Kearney
Precinct #23  American Legion/Bingo Hall
 1223 Central Ave, Kearney
     
         
         


Return to: Election Commission Homepage


Voter Information

Where is the Election Commission located?
North of the main lobby across from the Register of Deeds office (Map information). The street address is 1512 Central Avenue, Kearney, Nebraska.

Does a person have to go to the polling place in order to cast a vote during any election?
No, you may vote by Absentee Ballot.

2024 Early Voting Ballot Application (English)

2024 Early Voting Ballot Application (Spanish)

How may a person find out when the next election is?
Please check back after November 1st for the Election calendar.

Can I be called in for jury duty if I register to vote?
Yes, the jury list is taken from the driver's license and the voter registration lists and is called a Master Jury List. Whether or not you are a registered voter, your name may be picked for jury duty through your drivers license and vice versa (whether or not you have a drivers license, your name may be picked for jury duty through the election registration).

Vote Flag

 


Voter Registration


Nebraska VoterCheck Website
Click the above link to access your polling place address and party affiliation if you are already registered


Nebraska Online Voter Registration
Click the above link to register to vote, change your address, party affiliation or change your name on your voter registration record.

Is registration required in Nebraska to be eligible to vote?Vote Button

Yes, the only exception is during Presidential elections. If you have recently moved to Nebraska or moved to another state after the registration deadline, then you may only vote a Presidential ballot.

Who may register to vote?

Anyone who meets the following criteria:

  • Will be 18 years of age or older on General Election Day (first Tuesday after the first Monday in November)
  • Is a United States Citizen
  • Is a resident of Nebraska
  • Has not been convicted of a felony or, if convicted it has been at least two years since I completed my sentence for the felony, including any parole term
  • Have not been found mentally incompetent

Voter Registration Form

i.

Open/Download Voter Registration Form (link below).

ii.

Complete the form on your computer and print it or print the form and fill by hand

iii.

Sign the form and mail to:
Election Commissioner
P.O. Box 1270
Kearney, NE 68848

Voter Registration Form (English)
pdf


Voter Registration Form (Spanish)
pdf

For national election forms, additional languages, or other information, see the U.S. Election Assistance Commission.


How may I register?

You may register at the Election Commissioner's Office from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. You may also download the form and send it by mail if you
have access to a printer (see instructions on the right) or click on the link above
that says Nebraska Online Voter Registration.


What is the registration deadline?

Mail-in registration must be postmarked on or before the third Friday before an election. You may register in person at the Election Commission by the second Friday prior to an election.


Do I have to be a resident for a certain time period?

No, you may register the same day you become a resident of Buffalo County.


How is residence determined?

Residence shall mean:

  • That place in which a person is actually domiciled, which is the residence of an individual or family, with which a person has a settled connection for the determination of his or her civil status or other legal purposes because it is actually or legally his or her permanent and principal home, and to which, whenever he or she is absent, has the intention of returning.
  • The place where a person has his or her family domiciled even if he or she does business in another place.
  • If a person is homeless, the county in which the person is living.
No person serving in the armed forces of the United States shall be deemed to have a residence in Nebraska because of being stationed in Nebraska. Those serving in the military or attending college in another area other than Buffalo County do not need to change their registration. However, any permanent change in your residence or address will require you to re-register to vote in that location.


May a student register and vote from a school address?

Yes, you may decide to register and vote from either your school or home address. If you want to vote from your home address, write your county election commissioner or clerk and ask them to mail a voter registration form and an absentee ballot. (See Absentee Ballot information)


Must I designate a party affiliation on my registration?

Yes. Nebraska has a "closed primary" which means that you are only allowed to vote the ballot for the party you designated on your voter registration. Currently Nebraska has Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, Non-partisan, and Marijuana NOW. If you are registered as one of the above parties, you would receive the party ballot along with the non-partisan ballot. You may indicate that you wish to be Non Partisan, but in that event, you would only receive the non-political ballot and (if you request) a congressional and senatorial partisan ballot. You may change your party affiliation anytime before the registration deadline.


Do I ever have to re-register?

You must re-register whenever you change your name, your address or political party affiliation.


Will I receive notice that my mail-in registration has been accepted and processed?

Yes, if you completed the form correctly and mailed it by the deadline (third Friday prior to an election). If you do not receive notification within 10 days that your registration has been accepted, call the Election Office. You are not a registered voter until you receive confirmation.


Political Party Information


Currently the political parties recognized under Nebraska law are as follows:

The elected offices nominated on a partisan basis are:

President, Vice President, U. S. Senators, Member of the U. S. House of Representatives, Governor, Lt. Governor, Secretary of State, State Auditor, State Treasurer, State Attorney General, County Commissioners, County Clerk, County Attorney, Register of Deeds, County Assessor, Clerk of the District Court, County Sheriff, County Treasurer and County Surveyor.

Effective: December 2, 2013


Board of Commissioners

Buffalo County is under the Commissioner form of County Government. The County is divided into seven districts. A person from each district is elected to serve on the County Board by the voters in that district.

County Commissioners serve terms of four years each. A Commissioner may serve as many terms as he/she wishes. The Commissioner’s terms are staggered - four Commissioners are elected in one election year and the other three Commissioners are then elected in the second year.

A Commissioner must be a resident of the district they are elected to represent. If they should move away from their district during their term, they must resign their seat on the County Board. The annual salary for the office of the County Board of Commissioners will be established at $38,538.00 for calendar year 2024.   Chairman of the Board will receive $200.00 per month additional pay. The Commissioners are also allowed a mileage expense of $0.67 per mile when conducting County business away from their home.

By law, the County Board is required to meet only once a year, which is on the 2nd Tuesday following the first Thursday in January. The Buffalo County Board chooses to conduct its meetings on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month.  These meetings begin at 9:00 a.m. and are open to the public.  Minutes from each meeting are published in the Kearney Hub & on the Buffalo County website.  During the first meeting of each year, the County Board elects a Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Board.

In general, the County Board is the representative and guardian for the County. The County Board is the agency, which in official matters, acts for and on behalf of the County. The County Board derives its functions from the Legislature and its powers are prescribed by Statutes enacted by the Legislature

Buffalo County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite you to read our Affirmative Action Plan.

Chairman – Ivan Klein

Vice-Chairman – Sherry Morrow

 
[ View all ]


Election Commission

Mission Statement: Maintain the integrity of the election process and maintain an accurate registry of voters.

 

Buffalo County sample ballots for the November 5, 2024 general election are now available for viewing at https://www.votercheck.necvr.ne.gov/VoterView.
An information packet on Nebraska’s five initiatives is available to be picked up at the Buffalo County Election Office located at 1512 Central Ave, Kearney NE 68847 or can be viewed online at 2024 Ballot Measures Pamphlet.

Early voting in person runs Oct. 7 to Nov. 4, 2024 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon-Fri at the Buffalo County Election Office.
The Courthouse will be closed Oct. 14, 2024 for Columbus Day.
Polling sites will be open Election Day, Nov. 5, 2024, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Voters needing to update their name, address or party affiliation prior to voting may do so online through Oct. 18, 2024 by using Nebraska Secretary of State - Voter Registration Portal.  Voter information updates will be accepted in person until 6 p.m. Oct. 25, 2024 at the Buffalo County Election Office.

 

Photo ID Required to Vote as of April 1st, 2024

Click this link for PHOTO ID information: https://sos.nebraska.gov/elections/voter-id

Nebraska VoterCheck Website
Click the above link to access your polling place address and party affiliation

Nebraska Online Voter Registration
Click the above link to register to vote, change your address, party affiliation or change your name on your voter registration record.


vote button and American flag
All results are UNOFFICIAL


Election

Summary
Results

Precinct by Precinct
Results

Sample
Ballot

Election Date

Primary Election Summary Precinct Sample  05-14-2024 FINAL
General Election Summary Precinct Sample  11-08-2022   
Primary Election Summary Precinct  Sample 05-10-2022 FINAL
Kearney Special Election (by mail) Summary   Sample 12-14-2021 FINAL
Amherst School Bond (by mail)
Summary Precinct     Sample 10-12-2021 FINAL

Elm Creek School Board (by mail)

Summary Precinct Sample 09-14-2021 FINAL
General Election
Summary   Precinct    Sample  11-03-2020
Primary Election
Summary
Precinct
Sample
05-12-2020
Gibbon Lottery Election Summary
Sample 10-15-2019
General Election Summary Precinct Sample 11-06-2018
Primary Election Summary     Precinct     Sample 05-15-2018    
General Election Summary Precinct Sample 11-08-2016
Primary Election Summary Precinct Sample 05-10-2016
General Election Summary Precinct Sample 11-04-2014
Primary Election Summary Precinct Sample 05-13-2014
Shelton Special Election Summary Sample 11-12-2013
KPS Special Election Summary Sample 09-10-2013
Pleasanton Special Election Summary   03-12-2013
General Election Summary Sample 11-06-2012
Primary Election Summary   05-15-2012
Ravenna Special Election Summary   08-18-2011
Kearney Special Election Summary   08-11-2011
General Election Summary   11-02-2010
Primary Summary   05-11-2010
Pleasanton Special Election Summary   11-10-2009
KPS Special Election Summary   09-15-2009
Miller Special Election Summary   06-09-2009
General Election Summary   11-04-2008
Elm Creek Special Election Summary   09-09-2008
Primary Election Summary   05-13-2008
Buffalo County Special Election Summary   03-11-2008