Health Officials Offer Ways to Stay Safe While Voting During the Pandemic

On top of the election anxieties we may already be feeling, the U.S. is still battling a serious surge of the coronavirus. The Covid-19 outbreak across the nation has nearly doubled the 7-day case average in a month with numerous record-breaking single-day case counts within the last week. There are serious concerns in-person voting may lead to even deadlier spikes. In an effort to limit spread, health officials have offered tips on how to stay safe. At the top of their list is properly wearing face coverings and social distancing at all times. They’re also recommending voting alone, by not bringing anyone who’s ineligible to vote such as your children. Other tips include spending as much time outside as you can, voting during a less busy time of day, avoiding crowded modes of transportation if possible, and bringing your own pens in either blue or black ink. They further suggest having hand sanitizer, as well as disinfecting wipes, always at the ready. Just make sure the sanitizer is at least 60% alcohol. Finally, health experts advise you to have a plan to help speed up the experience.