OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - Douglas County election officials are proposing a major expansion of their voting facility to address growing crowds and wait times that have stretched up to 30 minutes for early voters.

The Douglas County Election Commission is seeking approval to lease 5,000 additional square feet next door to their current facility, representing a 40% expansion at an annual cost of $145,000, or about $7.25 per square foot.

“There’s really no such thing as an off-season, we’re constantly doing elections pretty much year-round now,” said Brian Kruse, Douglas County Election Commissioner.

The numbers illustrate Douglas County’s voting surge. Half of all voters now choose early voting, with 90% of those casting ballots by mail.

However, the remaining 10% who vote early in person are

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