John Gale officially filed for re-election yesterday at the Secretary of State’s office. Gale, who has served as Secretary of State since 2000, is seeking a fourth full term.

Gale first announced his candidacy in June, when he launched a 1,000 mile announcement tour of Nebraska.

“It’s been a pleasure to serve the citizens of Nebraska in this capacity.  I continue to have a great passion for the duties of this office, and feel that the office has made significant improvements in service during my tenure. We have made great strides in modernizing and protecting the integrity of our statewide election process, improving business services and licensing and providing many new online services for our citizens. As chief protocol officer, I believe I have been an effective ambassador promoting the state internationally,” said Gale. “Building on my knowledge and experience, there are still more goals to be accomplished.”

Gale said some of his priorities for another term include: enhancing public access to government services online, streamlining the process for launching and growing businesses in Nebraska, and improving the security and reliability of the voter registration process to minimize possible fraud as well as working to boost voter registration and turnout.

Additionally, Gale serves as chairman for the Nebraska Real Estate Commission, Collection Agency Licensing Board and Nebraska State Records Board. He is a permanent member of the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission, the State Canvassing Board and the State Pardons Board.

“The responsibilities of the job are many and varied,” observed Gale. “I bring to another term the experience and ability to continue doing a good job for the people of Nebraska and the vision to see that those goals are met. My office motto is ‘prompt, personal, and professional service.’”

Gale has served as Secretary of State since 2000 when he was appointed by Governor Mike Johanns.  He is a fifth-generation Nebraskan. Gale graduated from Omaha North High School, received a B.A. from Carleton College in Minnesota and a law degree from the University of Chicago.

Gale is a former state chair of the Nebraska Republican Party, former Assistant U.S. Attorney for Nebraska and practiced law for 29 years in North Platte. He is married to Carol and has three children, and five grandchildren.