Taking some basic precautions can make voting a safer experience.
Taking some basic precautions can make voting a safer experience.
For voters who plan to cast their ballots in person, experts offer some tips on how to make it a safer experience for you and those around you.
- Make a voting plan.
“Plan in advance how to get there and what time of day for lowest lines,” Patel said.
Depending on what state you live in, you may able to cast your ballot in person during the early voting period, instead of on Election Day.
If you received an absentee ballot but don’t want to send it back in the mail, you may be able to drop it off at a designated ballot box, an early voting location or polling place on Nov. 3. Check with your state or local election office to see which options are available to you.
- This should go without saying, but if you’re sick, stay home.
“Do not vote in person if you are feeling unwell,” Nanda said.
In many states, someone else can submit your absentee ballot for you.
- Consider getting a flu shot beforehand.
Nanda recommends getting your influenza vaccine at least two weeks before you plan to vote to allow enough time for antibodies to build up.
- Wear your face mask.
You want a face covering that has a couple layers and fits you well, Nanda said.
“Wear a mask while you wait, when you go inside the voting booth, and afterwards until you get home,” Riley added.
Patel also suggested bringing a few extra disposable masks with you in case someone in line needs one and you want to hand it out.
- Bring your filled-out sample ballot with you to speed up the process.
“That [way] you don’t have to spend too much time to fill out the ballot at the voting booth,” Riley said.
- Pack a bag with hand sanitizer, a pen and maybe a book to pass the time.
Remember you want a hand sanitizer that’s at least 60% alcohol to clean your hands before and after you vote.
Patel also suggested bringing some unused tissues or napkins in case you need to grab any high-tough surfaces like door handles.
- Maintain social distancing.
Stay a minimum of 6 feet from other voters in line.
If you’re concerned that won’t be possible at your polling place and you’d rather not take a chance, voting by mail is still a great option. Just be sure to return your ballot early if you can, rather than waiting until the deadline.
For voters who plan to cast their ballots in person, experts offer some tips on how to make it a safer experience for you and those around you.
- Make a voting plan.
“Plan in advance how to get there and what time of day for lowest lines,” Patel said.
Depending on what state you live in, you may able to cast your ballot in person during the early voting period, instead of on Election Day.
If you received an absentee ballot but don’t want to send it back in the mail, you may be able to drop it off at a designated ballot box, an early voting location or polling place on Nov. 3. Check with your state or local election office to see which options are available to you.
- This should go without saying, but if you’re sick, stay home.
“Do not vote in person if you are feeling unwell,” Nanda said.
In many states, someone else can submit your absentee ballot for you.
- Consider getting a flu shot beforehand.
Nanda recommends getting your influenza vaccine at least two weeks before you plan to vote to allow enough time for antibodies to build up.
- Wear your face mask.
You want a face covering that has a couple layers and fits you well, Nanda said.
“Wear a mask while you wait, when you go inside the voting booth, and afterwards until you get home,” Riley added.
Patel also suggested bringing a few extra disposable masks with you in case someone in line needs one and you want to hand it out.
- Bring your filled-out sample ballot with you to speed up the process.
“That [way] you don’t have to spend too much time to fill out the ballot at the voting booth,” Riley said.
- Pack a bag with hand sanitizer, a pen and maybe a book to pass the time.
Remember you want a hand sanitizer that’s at least 60% alcohol to clean your hands before and after you vote.
Patel also suggested bringing some unused tissues or napkins in case you need to grab any high-tough surfaces like door handles.
- Maintain social distancing.
Stay a minimum of 6 feet from other voters in line.
If you’re concerned that won’t be possible at your polling place and you’d rather not take a chance, voting by mail is still a great option. Just be sure to return your ballot early if you can, rather than waiting until the deadline.