The Presidential Election is only a few short weeks away. Though the past few months has been unorthodox to say the least; the COVID pandemic, economic turmoil, and natural disaster, it’s important to remember voting is important. If fact, it’s essential to our democracy. The outcome will undoubtedly shape the future of our country.
Health concerns with in-person voting add another layer to this complex world we now live in. With this in mind, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued special COVID-19 safety recommendations for voters.
While the safety protocols are the same common practices already in place, such as: mask wearing; maintaining social distance; using hand sanitizer often; avoiding touching your face; and thorough hand washing, the CDC has a few special voting-day recommendations to consider.
Recommendations for Voters
- Practice healthy behaviors to protect yourself and slow the spread of COVID-19
- Wash your hands before entering and after leaving the polling location.
- Wear a mask.
- Consider wearing gloves. Voting poll surfaced will have a higher frequency of being touched by others. Your location should be practicing proper hygiene and cleaning protocols, but the added layer of protection of gloves can help.
- Avoid close contact with other people by maintaining social distancing of at least 6 feet even when wearing masks.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of your elbow. Throw used tissues in lined trash cans.
- Monitor your health daily. If you’re feeling ill, remain home, don’t vote in-person.
- Consider voting alternatives to minimize contact.
Your local community may have voting alternatives to help limit the number of people in one location or the amount of time spent while voting. This can help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Check your local election office for more information. - Do not disinfect or wipe down the voting equipment yourself.
Electronic voting equipment can be damaged by cleaners and disinfectants. If you use hand sanitizer before touching the voting equipment, ensure your hands are completely dry to avoid damaging the equipment. Wash your hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer after using the voting equipment.
- Avoid crowds
- Vote early, if possible, in your jurisdiction.
- Mail in your vote, if your jurisdiction provides mail-in (or Absentee) voting.
- Vote at off-peak times, such as mid-morning.
- Monitor poll lines while in your car to determine the optimal time to wait in line.
- Be prepared
- Check your voting location and requirements in advance to see if there have been any changes due to COVID-19.
- Verify your voter registration information is correct in advance of reporting to the polling location.
- Contact your local or state election office for additional information for voters with disabilities.
- Make sure you have all necessary documents to avoid delays at the polling location.
- If possible, complete any registration forms prior to arriving at the polling location.
- Where possible, review or complete a sample ballot at home to speed the process of casting your ballot at the polling location.
- Bring your own black ink pen.
- Bring a stylus or similar object for use with touchscreen voting machines. Check with poll workers before using.
We’re Here to Help
Protecting yourself and others by following the CDC’s recommended safety protocols can help reduce the risk of contracting the virus or spreading it to others.
In these challenging times, the risk of exposure is more prevalent than ever. We offer the following safety service options:
COVID-19 CONSULTING BUNDLE – Written directive/policy on requirements which can be either a corporate policy or a site-specific policy.
COVID-19 TRAINING (INFECTION CONTROL WEBINAR) – We offer Open Enrollment Classes and Private Company Sponsored Classes made available at your convenience.
COVID19 TESTING – We now offer COVID-19 Testing Services For Colleges, Universities, Private Companies, And Public Agencies
If you have concerns about your workforce and coronavirus, please contact us today to learn about steps you can take to protect yourself, your family, and your employees.
