A Nebraska judge was expected to rule on Wednesday on a lawsuit seeking to compel the state Democratic Party to name a candidate for a contested race, a day after hearing final arguments in Lincoln.

The dispute centers on whether the Nebraska Democratic Party is legally obligated to fill a vacant ballot line rather than leaving Republicans unopposed. Attorneys for the plaintiffs argued the party had a statutory duty to nominate, while lawyers for the party contended the decision fell within its discretion under Nebraska election law.

The Nebraska Secretary of State's office, which administers ballots, has said it needs clarity before printing deadlines. Democratic Party officials said forcing a nomination would infringe on the association rights of the organization to choose whether and whom to field in a given contest.

The outcome carries implications for how parties in Nebraska and other states approach uncontested races. A ruling for the plaintiffs could set a precedent requiring parties to nominate candidates, while a decision for the Democrats would affirm party discretion over ballot participation.

Both sides indicated they were prepared to appeal an adverse ruling to the Nebraska Supreme Court, given the approaching certification deadlines and the statewide significance of the question.