Lincoln Voters Back Ban on Housing Discrimination Based on Income Source

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - Voters in Lincoln overwhelmingly approved a change to city ordinance on Tuesday that bans housing discrimination based on a renter or buyer‘s source of income.

The unofficial final results provided by the Lancaster County Election Commission indicated that 25,450 votes were cast in support of the ordinance, whereas 13,216 votes opposed it.

Roughly 7,700 early vote ballots are expected to be counted on Friday, May 9. An additional 220 provisional ballots — including 216 regular and four requiring voter identification — will be tallied on Wednesday, May 14.

The measure prohibits landlords from refusing to rent to tenants who use housing vouchers, public assistance or other lawful income sources, including those enrolled in the Section 8 Housing Voucher Program. Prior to the vote, landlords in Lincoln were allowed to deny applicants based on how they paid their rent.

The ballot initiative was spearheaded by Lincoln for Fair Housing, a coalition of nearly 20 community organizations. In a statement issued after the results were announced, the group praised the vote as a victory for equity and inclusion.

“Lincoln stood up today,” the statement read. “It stood up for dignity, for opportunity, and for the simple idea that no one should be denied safe, affordable housing based on how they pay their rent.”

The group credited renters, landlords, volunteers and voters who supported the campaign, calling the ordinance “a significant step forward.”

“But the work is not done,” the statement continued. “Now, we must ensure these protections are implemented fairly and that every Lincolnite’s rights are respected.”

Click here to subscribe to our 10/11 NOW daily digest and breaking news alerts delivered straight to your email inbox.