Tips for Voters to Reduce Spread of COVID-19

There are steps you can take to help you vote and minimize your risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. The more prepared you are, the less time you may have to spend at the voting site.

When voting, you can protect yourself and others if you:

  • avoid close contact: try to stay at least 6 feet apart of other people, especially those not wearing a mask
  • wear a mask around others
  • take care when touching surfaces and wash your hands often or, if not possible, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol

6 Steps – Before you vote

1

Check that you are registered

This may increase your available voting options, and can also help you spend less time at your voting place

2

Check how you can vote

  • Some states offer early voting and, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, some have expanded this option
  • Consider early voting, if available, in case you are unable to vote on election day
  • States must offer accessible options for people with disabilitiesexternal icon, but options may vary by state, so check ahead of time what your state’s option may be
  • If you live in a long-term care facility or similar place, you may be able to have supervised absentee voting
3

Check when and where you can vote

  • Your place to vote may have changed from previous elections because of COVID-19
  • If you are at higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19, plan to vote when it is not so busy, like mid-morning
  • Check ahead for places or times you can vote
  • Check ahead with your place to vote for options for people with disabilities
4

Plan how you can get to your place to vote in the safest way possible

  • Try to avoid crowded ride sharing services, buses, or trains
  • Protect Yourself When Using Transportation
  • Some public and private transport services offer free or cheaper rides for voting
  • Older people or people with disabilities may be able to get help with getting to their voting place
    • Check if in your area private carpool companies, volunteer organizations or your city public transportation offer these services
  • If you drive and if you are able to check the voter line, join when the line is shorter
5

Plan for someone to take care of your loved ones

  • Taking children with you to vote can increase their risk of getting COVID-19
  • If you are the main caregiver at home, ask someone to watch your loved ones
  • Ask this person to wear a mask if they don’t live with you
6

Be prepared so you can limit the time you are in your voting place

  • This will help reduce risk for COVID-19 by avoiding delays when you vote
  • If you can, fill in any registration forms before going to vote
  • The more prepared you are, the less time you may have to spend at the voting site
  • Check to see if your state has sample ballots
  • To speed up voting, you can make a list or fill in a sample ballot to take with you

6 Steps – The day you vote

The more prepared you are, the more you reduce your risk of getting and spreading COVID-19.

1

People who are sick can follow CDC advice for when to be around others.

2

Bring your own supplies

Use this checklist to remember things to bring with you when you go to vote:

  • Necessary documentation such as your identification (check with your voting site)
  • A mask
  • An extra mask
  • Tissues
  • Hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
  • Water
  • Black ink pen
  • Bring prepared items with you (e.g., registration forms, sample ballots)
3

Wear a mask

You should wear a mask consistently and correctly in public and around people who don’t live with you.

  • If you must take your mask off, use hand sanitizer before and after
  • Have an extra mask in case yours gets wet or dirty

A few people might not be able to wear a mask because of a disability or condition.

4

Protect yourself when using transport

  • Open windows if you can
  • Wear a mask
  • Avoid touching things if you can and use hand sanitizer if you do
  • Stay 6 feet (about two arm lengths) apart from others if you can
5

Clean your hands often

  • Wash your hands or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol before entering and after leaving your place of voting
  • Use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol before and after touching items that many others may have touched, such as door handles
  • Do not wipe down voting equipment unless you are told to do so
6

Keep your distance from others

  • Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ lengths) from other people as much as you can
  • Stay apart even if you are wearing masks

Source:

CDC

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