Birds and flowers, the Capitol or simply words and numbers?

For the third time, Nebraskans are being asked to choose the license plates that will adorn the state's 1.2 million Fords, Chevys, Hondas, Toyotas and other cars and trucks in about 18 months.

In 2011 ol' blue - with the state outline and a covered wagon - will be replaced with one of four designs. The state is asking Nebraskans to vote on their favorite through May 17.

Vote now, but don't vote often.

Beverly Neth, director of the state department of motor vehicles, is asking people to respect the process and vote once. And they'll know if someone is stuffing the ballot box.

This year, only those with access to a computer will get to pick the plate.

Plate choices are:

* The state bird, the western meadowlark, and the state flower, the goldenrod, with dark green lettering.

* Plain letters and numbers in black on a background that fades from white to black with Nebraska.gov in red across the top.

* The Capitol, with an outline of the state and Nebraska written in red with numbers in black.

* An outline of the state on a blue background, with Nebraska and "The Good Life" in red and letters and numbers in black.

Nebraskans submitted two of the designs - the meadowlark and the Capitol - in previous years. The other two are in-house designs.

All four are attractive plates, said Gov. Dave Heineman.

"The decision is entirely up to Nebraskans," he said.

The winning plate will be announced in the days following closing of the voting.

The plates will be for passenger cars and trucks, commercial pickups, dealer and handicap vehicles. Message plates will also carry the design. Trailers, motorcycles and semi-trucks will not.

More than 200,000 votes on the 2011 plates are expected, Heineman said.

"And we're not going to have a recount," he said.

Reach JoAnne Young at 473-7228 or jyoung@journalstar.com.