DiAnna Schimek

DiAnna Schimek (born March 21, 1940)

Early political activity Schimek was a member of the Democratic National Committee from 1976 to 1988,

Schimek was largely responsible for the enactment of Nebraska's method of apportioning electoral votes in presidential elections by congressional district (see Electoral College (United States): Congressional District Method). She has described the system as "one that I think will energize the electorate and perhaps even bring more candidates to Nebraska, although certainly that wasn't the overall selling point that I used."

Schimek introduced legislation in 2005 giving Nebraskans with felony convictions the right to vote two years after serving their sentences. Schimek co-sponsored legislation granting in-state University of Nebraska tuition to children of undocumented immigrants who graduate from Nebraska's high schools.

In 2007 Schimek unsuccessfully ran for the position of speaker of the Legislature, a position won by Mike Flood. She left the legislature in 2008.

Lincoln City Council In September 2011, Schimek was appointed to replace Jane Snyder, who resigned for health reasons, on the Lincoln City Council. She took her seat on October 10, 2011 to represent one of the at-large seats. She did not seek reelection to the council in 2013.