What Does LB 3 Do?

In its own language of intent:

LB 3 reinstates the winner-take-all system for electing presidential and vice-presidential candidates, awarding all electoral votes to the candidates who receive the highest number of votes in the state. 

Sen. Lippincott has declared this his priority bill. The bill is straight forward. It would change Nebraska’s current system of awarding an electoral vote for each of its 3 legislative districts according to the winner in each district with a “winner take all” system, meaning that even if any of the 3 legislative districts break from the other 2, all 3 Nebraska electoral votes would go to the winner of the other two districts.

Why does NASW-NE oppose this bill

The proposal to adopt a “winner-takes-all” approach would eliminate the current district-based allocation method, silencing the voices of diverse communities and reducing electoral fairness. This change contradicts the core principles of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), including social justice, the dignity and worth of the person, and the importance of human relationships. 

Why It Matters:

• Protects Fair Representation: Nebraska and Maine are the only states that allocate electoral votes by congressional district, ensuring a more accurate reflection of voter preferences. A winner-takes-all system would disenfranchise voters in districts that do not align with the statewide majority.
• Promotes Social Justice & Equity: A winner-takes-all system disproportionately impacts marginalized communities by reducing their influence in presidential elections. Social workers advocate for policies that uplift all voices, not just the majority.
• Upholds the Right to Participation: The NASW Code of Ethics emphasizes the importance of civic engagement. A shift to winner-takes-all would discourage political participation and increase voter disillusionment.  It is important to note that even some GOP party leaders in the panhandle testified against this bill, stating that there can be a time when Lincoln and Omaha districts will both vote in numbers enough that then Nebraska’s 3rd district would “lose”.
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For more detailed analysis see https://civicnebraska.org/voting-rights-initiatives/defend-split/

https://www.commoncause.org/nebraska/work/preserving-nebraskas-electoral-college-system/