Tips for Safe In-Person Voting on Election Day
Election Day is coming and even though million of Americans have already cast their ballots early, some are relying on in-person voting.
Polling places are expected to get crowded on Election Day. Those who will exercise in-person voting will have to endure long lines that have been the norm through Election Day.
In-person voting also puts people at a health risk, as standing in the slow-moving queue raises risks of catching COVID-19. This is more especially true if the people standing in line refuse to wear masks.
According to CNN, most U.S. states with mask mandates will not be forcing voters to cover their faces while voting. So having a plan to reduce COVID-19 risk is critical. Here are some reminders for a safe voting experience.
Do Most of Your Waiting Outdoors
Julia Marcus, epidemiologist and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School, told New York Times that going outside is important for health.
She noted that going outdoors places less risk in COVID-19 transmission compared to indoors.
"On a sunny, beautiful weekend, I think going outside is indicated, but I also think there are things to do to reduce our risk," she added.
So, if the weather permits it, stay outdoors since outside airflow helps dissipate the virus.
Related Story: 3 Tips to Reduce Indoor Spread of COVID-19
Try to find a voting location that doesn't make many people wait indoors or at least makes indoor queues set to a minimum.
That means no large enclosed hallways that have only one entry and exit point. Also avoid high-risk locations like senior care facilities.
Pick a Less Popular Voting Time
Usually, people want to go to voting places before or after work or during lunch out.
If you try to vote at mid-morning or early in the afternoon, you might be met by shorter times.
That means less waiting time and less people you could possibly get exposed to.
If you have a Facebook account, check for updates there. People often post about voting crowds at different times of the day, so the information might get handy in planning your trip.
Don't just have one polling station in mind. You can drive by several and check the line before parking your car.
Be Picky About Your Mask
As a rule of thumb, don't wear something you can hold up to light and see through since they make less effective masks.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised wearing masks that has two or more layers to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Those kinds of masks are proven more protective compared to bandanas or single-ply masks.
It's also best to avoid masks that have exhalation valves in them. These masks do protect a person from infection but don't help the people they interact with.
Dr. Marybeth Sexton, an assistant professor of medicine at Emory University in Atlanta said these "actually make things worse because it concentrates your breath into that valve."
Related Story: Why is Disney World Banning Valved Masks?
In fact, just follow all health protocol when dealing with COVID-19 like using sanitizers and social distancing when you vote.
Vote Alone
As other reminders on health safety are more or less self-explanatory, doing things alone is something many might forget after months of quarantining.
No matter how excited you may be to meet friends after a long time, vote alone unless you require assistance because of a disability.
As Los Angeles Times said, even small gatherings can pose risks of contracting COVID-19 and even potentially spark a new wave of cases.
This year is not the year to bring your children or non-household members to polling places.
If your children need to be babysat, make sure the caregiver you get for the day also follows health advisories.
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