Decoding the 2023 Lincoln General Election
Decoding the Ballot is a nonpartisan resource created by Husker Vote Coalition to help explain what elected offices are on your ballot and what they actually do. State and local government has a real impact on our day-to-day lives, and voting in those races couldn’t be more important. Each entry includes a brief description of the offices' responsibilities, term limits, and salary (if applicable)
Mayor
The mayor is the chief executive officer and administrative head of city government. The mayor serves a four-year term, and can serve a maximum of three terms. The mayor’s salary is $99,000 a year. The mayor is largely elected on a non-partisan basis. There is now a term limit. The mayor works with City Council in matters relating to legislation, including the city’s annual budget. The mayor does not vote on issues before the Council. However, the mayor signs or vetoes City Council legislation. Only emergency ordinances or enactments relating to emergency appropriations or borrowing cannot be vetoed. The City Council can pass an ordinance over the mayor’s veto by an override vote of five of its members.
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City Council Members - Districts 1, 2, 3 & 4
The Lincoln City Council passes laws, budgets city money, and has authority to investigate city agencies and employees. The Lincoln City Council has 7 members, 4 from equally populated districts and 3 elected at large. Each City Council member receives a salary of $24,000. The Council meets most Mondays in regular session.
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Lincoln Board of Education - Districts 2, 4 & 6
The Board sees the primary mission of Lincoln Public Schools to be the development of responsible adults, who are productive citizens of a community, nation, and world. As the elected governing body of the School District, the Board believes in serving parents, students, and other citizens and staff members. Board Members are elected by district to four-year terms and serve without pay.
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Lincoln Airport Authority - 2 Vacancies
The Lincoln Airport is owned by the public and managed by elected board of officials. Airport Authority members serve six year terms and are elected by voters citywide. Airport Authority Board members are unpaid, but have taxing authority.
The five member Airport Authority meets once a month and is responsible for setting policy and budget for the Lincoln Airport and its LNK Enterprise Park industrial area.