Tips for Voting During the COVID-19 Pandemic

https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/blog/2020/10/29/vdh-medical-reserve-corps-volunteers-to-help-local-officials-encourage-safe-voting-practices-on-election-day/

1. Make a plan: visit the Department of Elections website

(https://www.elections.virginia.gov/) for more information on options for voting in Virginia.

·      If a person unexpectedly finds themselves in an isolation or quarantine period that includes Election Day, there may be options available for “emergency absentee voting”. Please visit the Department of Elections website or call your local registrar/elections office to learn more.

·     Vote at a time when the polling place is not crowded

2. Consider curbside voting if offered at your location:

·     If you are 65 or older, or have a physical disability, you may vote on Election Day without leaving your vehicle. Use the designated parking space at the polling location and follow instructions on any signage. Wear a mask while in your vehicle and keep the window rolled up unless communicating with a poll worker.

3. Wear a cloth face covering/mask, if you are able, at all times while voting.

4. Exercise proper social distancing by maintaining at least 6 feet of separation

from other voters and poll workers.

·     Consider staying more than 6 feet away from people who are not wearing cloth face coverings.

5. Practice good hygiene.

·     Do not use physical greetings, such as handshaking.

·     Wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water before and after voting. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer to clean your hands.

·     Avoid touching your face and face covering.

More recommendations about safer voting can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) websiteTo access a toolkit for reducing the spread of COVID-10 during the elections, click here.

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