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A Plan to Re-Open Polling Places

Nicole Ebat

OMAHA(KPTM)-- The Douglas County Election Commissioner announced a plan to re-open 27 Omaha polling locations and add 30 new precincts in a press conference Wednesday morning.

This comes months after Phipps came under fire for closing nearly a third of Omaha's polling spots, many of which were in north or south Omaha.

Community activists and other groups led protests saying the closures mainly affected low-income and minority voters.

Phipps says he's hoping to get feedback on his new plan.

"I've said over the last several months that the thing I regret the most is that we didn't go meet with the public," said Phipps. "Obviously I can't go back in time, all that we can do is move forward in a positive way."

Phipps received advice and feedback from an advisory committee and a coalition of community leaders.

Now he's seeking feedback from the general public.

The plan with maps of proposed polling locations and new precincts is available on the election commision's web site and at public libraries.

Comment can be submitted online or at drop boxes around the city until July 3.

Adjustments will be made based on public comment and the plan will then be sent to the Secretary of State, John Gale who can make further suggestions.

Voters should get an information card in the mail by September with their official polling location.

Phipps urges all votes to look at the card before the election and call with any questions.