LSO Investigating Fraudulent Election Petitions
Date:
August 7, 2026
For More Information:
Kelsey M. Cruz, kcruz@lancaster.ne.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 7, 2026
LSO Investigating Fraudulent Election Petitions
The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office is investigating allegations of fraudulent signatures on petitions submitted to the Lancaster County Election Commission.
The investigation centers around petitions that allegedly contained fraudulent signatures. Investigators believe circulators have been involved in collecting fraudulent signatures, having those signatures notarized, and submitting the petitions for ballot measures.
Arrest warrants were obtained for suspects believed to have falsely sworn to information on petition circulator affidavits, which is a felony under Nebraska law. LSO has worked closely with federal partners at the U.S. Marshals Service in locating the suspects. Five suspects have been located and arrested in Nevada, Florida, Washington D.C., and Missouri. Several more are outstanding.
The investigation is focused solely on violation of Nebraska state statutes and is separate from the election process. Information regarding the validity of petitions, whether signatures should be counted, and whether a measure ultimately qualifies for the ballot fall under the authority of the appropriate election officials.
LSO is working with multiple law enforcement and prosecutorial partners, including the Lancaster County Attorney’s Office and the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office.
We would like to thank multiple U.S. Marshal Service task forces for their assistance in successfully and safely locating suspects in this investigation, including our local Metro Area Fugitive Task Force, Nevada Violent Offender Task Force-Las Vegas, Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force, Florida Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force, and District of Eastern Missouri Fugitive Task Force. The U.S. Marshal task forces are comprised of state, local and federal law enforcement partners.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation.
Back to Media List