Latest issueDouglas County's polls are open until 8 p.m. after a surge in early votingRead now

← Omaha news

Election 2026Thursday, October 29

Nebraska voters will decide Measure 442, which would put school sports rules in the state constitution

The Morning Omaha teamFrom Thursday’s edition · 1 min read · 2 sources

ShareEmailFacebookX

If you're wondering what does, KMTV explains that it would require school sports teams to be designated male, female or co-ed. It would restrict female teams to female students. At a Capitol hearing, The Daily Nebraskan reports, it was described as applying to public schools, colleges, universities and private schools that compete against public schools.

The numbers behind the school sports measure

65,000
roughly, average yearly participants in major sports
8
transgender applications to NSAA committee, 2018 through 2025
211,000+
petition signatures, per sponsor Julie Slama
$3.1 million
PAC donation to the effort, per opponents

KMTV asked about 10 early voters what mattered when they cast ballots. Few raised the measure unprompted, and opinions were divided when asked directly.

Eight of about 10 early voters cited cost of living

Source: KMTV 3 News Now Omaha

View as table
Value
Cost of living8
Measure 4422
  • Supporter at hearing: Nate Grasz, Nebraska Family Alliance
  • Opponents: Fairness for All coalition, citing a 2025 state law
  • changed its participation policy after that 2025 law

Sources: KMTV 3 News Now Omaha, The Daily Nebraskan

Read it in the full edition

More from Thursday’s edition

Read the edition
All elections news
  1. Nebraska Public Media9 minutes ago

    Here are the results from the sports wagering ballot measures, on Nebraska Public Media

    Two ballot measures are seeking a constitutional amendment to legalize online sports betting in the state and to create the regulatory framework to tax the wagers.

  2. Omaha World-Herald33 minutes ago

    What changes under Nebraska's new sports amendment?, on Omaha World-Herald

    Nebraska's Initiative 442 puts restrictions on girls sports in the state constitution. See how it compares with the 2025 Stand with Women Act.

  3. KETV1 hour ago

    Nebraska Rep. Adrian Smith wins reelection to secure 11th term, on KETV

    Adrian Smith will return to Washington, D.C., for an 11th term after winning reelection in Nebraska's District 3, which covers 80 counties.

  4. Omaha World-Herald2 hours ago

    Papillion elects longtime City Council member Bob Stubbe as mayor, on Omaha World-Herald

    After 18 years on the Papillion City Council, Bob Stubbe is moving into the mayor's office. He defeated Joe Hunter in Tuesday's election.