With the November 3rd elections approaching rapidly and the world continuing to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to keep certain considerations in mind to be safe in exercising your right to vote.
Illinois and Michigan voters can vote in a number of ways: by mail, by early personal voting, or in person on election day.
Lori Grooms is the director of infection prevention at OSF HealthCare. She says that everything in person should be put on the same checklist as other errands and activities outside the home.
"You're going to want to do exactly the same things," advises Grooms. "You will want to make sure you have your mask with you, your hand sanitizer with you. When you get out of your car, put the mask on and keep it on until you get back in the car. Wash your hands before entering, when walking, wash your hands.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have created a guide for election officials and voters to help slow the spread of COVID-19 during voting.
While many CDC recommendations are the responsibility of election officials, e.g. For example, cleaning and disinfecting voting material, voters can also take steps to protect themselves during voting.
The groom agrees and suggests voting outside of peak hours, such as in the morning. He also recommends taking enough time to monitor your car's polling line and join it if it's shorter.
"You may want to wait for some people to come out, especially if the line is long and you're at the door. Take your time. Plan to be in the parking lot and wait 20-30 minutes if you live in an area that has a lot of voting or if you live in a densely populated area, "suggests Grooms.
In addition to wearing a mask, it is also important to maintain physical distance when doing personal coordination. Long lines can make this difficult, but Grooms said don't be afraid to politely beg for space.
"You want to make sure you keep that two meter distance," he says. "You can remind others that I would like you to take a step back." I try to keep my place ''
The couple continued, "It's your own health. It's your own safety. You don't have to be rude, but you can tell people, "I'm doing this for your protection and my protection, and we'd better keep some distance between us."
Voters must also do their homework before election day. The CDC recommends checking your polling station and requirements in advance as they may have changed due to COVID-19. You should also check that your voter registration information is correct before going to the polling station.
Grooms adds that voters should review or complete a sample vote at home, if possible, to expedite the voting process at the polling station.
"You can register with the Illinois State Board of Elections and follow their decision. This is not the year you look at the ballot and then decide who to vote for. Really know what your intention is at the time of the election. That way, you'll spend less time and get on and off much faster, "recommends Grooms.
Voting is one of America's greatest democratic rights. Lyndon B. Johnson said of the vote: "This right to vote is the fundamental right without which all others have no meaning. There are people, people as individuals, in control of their own destiny. ""
Click here for Illinois and here for Michigan state information to prepare for a safe vote and for additional information about the vote.
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