Safety Tips For Going To The Polls

At this point, if you want to vote and you haven't done so by mail, it's probably too late to do so: you should plan to vote in person or drop off your mail ballot, if you already have one. You can read about your state's rules regarding voting here.

But odds are, you might have to show up to the polls to exercise your right to vote. Per the Center for Disease Control, there are a few things to keep in mind if you're showing up to the polls.

It's pretty much the same things that we've heard over the past eight months: first off, maintain social distance. You want to stay at least six feet apart from other people, particularly if they are not wearing a mask. If someone insists on not wearing a mask, you might want to give that person extra room. Also, be careful when touching surfaces and wash your hands often, if you want. If possible, use an alcohol based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

If you've had COVID-19, or even if you think you had it, and you weren't tested, the CDC says that it is likely safe to be around other people 10 days since symptoms first appeared and 24 hours with no fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and when other symptoms of COVID-19 are improving. Note that all three of those conditions should be met. They also note that loss of taste and smell may persist for weeks or months after recovery and need not delay the end of isolation.

Other guidelines that the CDC recommends that you bring a mask (and wear it!) and bring an extra mask as well. Also, bring tissues, hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, water, a black ink pen, and prepared items (like registration forms, and sample ballots).

When using public transportation, or transportation with others, open windows if you can, wear a mask, avoid touching things if you can, and use hand sanitizer if you do, and maintain 6 feet distance.