Vote Safely

5 Keys to Voting Safely

As you may have heard, there’s a pretty big election in less than a month. If you’re a little concerned about staying healthy while casting your ballot, follow these tips to protect your immune system while participating in the democratic process.

1. Know Your Options: When it comes to voting, every state is different. Make sure you know where California stands on mail-in and drop-off ballots, early voting, precinct restrictions, and any other rules that apply specifically to our state.

If you need help finding your polling location, visit www.vote.org/polling-place-locator/

2. Jot Down Your Selections: The key to staying safe while voting in person is spending as little time in the voting booth as possible. One way to do this is by printing out or writing down the candidates and policies you intend to vote for on a piece of paper. This way you can quickly make your selections and exit. Note: Most locations don’t allow phones in the booths, so be sure to use paper.

3. Keep Your Distance: If there’s a line at your polling place, be sure to maintain six feet between yourself and other voters as you wait. This is especially important if most of your waiting will be done indoors. If possible, try to find a location where the booths are close to the entrance so you can stay outside as long as possible

4. Bring Your Own Mask: While some voting locations will be handing out disposable masks, it’s better to play it safe and bring your own, just in case. Wearing a mask will be extremely helpful for those times when social distancing guidelines can’t be maintained. Masks also reduce the chance of spreading cold, flu, and COVID-19 particles to voting booth surfaces, volunteers, and other voters.  

5. Sanitize All Surfaces: Similar to masks, most polling stations should have hand sanitizer and alcohol wipes available for voters, but if you want to be safe, you should consider bringing your own. Sanitizing your hands before and after casting your ballot is a great way to help prevent the transfer of germs from people to surfaces and vice versa.

 These five tips are a great start, but you can find even more information on voting safety guidelines on the official CDC website. Take care, stay safe, and be sure to post a picture of your “I Voted” sticker and tag me