PLAN YOUR VOTE: Casting Your Ballot Safely
October 6, 2020 by Ross Musick / voting
There are many options available to vote in the November 8th election, including voting by mail with an absentee ballot, early voting in-person at your local Board of Elections, and voting in-person at your polling place on Election Day. Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic many voters might feel safter voting absentee from the safety of their home. For several reasons, some Ohioans with disabilities may still have to head to their polling place to vote on Election Day.
Any Ohioan voting in-person on Election Day should observe these simple tips to protect themselves, fellow voters, and poll workers.
1. KEEP YOUR DISTANCE
From the time you arrive at the polling place to the moment you leave, always allow at least 6-feet of space between you and those around you. Remember to respect the 6-foot rule when interacting with poll workers as well. You can ask for a pen and paper if communicating at that distance is difficult.
2. COVER YOUR FACE
Wear a close-fitting face covering that fully covers both your nose and mouth for the entire time you are in the polling place. If your disability makes wearing masks difficult or impossible, please consider taking advantage of absentee voting or call your local Board of Elections for other options.
3. SANITIZE IN, SANITIZE OUT
Bring hand sanitizer with you and use it to clean your hands thoroughly both before entering the polling place and after you’re done voting. Avoid touching your face until after you’ve sanitized. When possible, use an elbow or shirt sleeve to open doors instead of your bare hand.
No matter how you plan to vote, it’s important that you do so safely! Following local health guidelines will make this Election Day safer for everyone.
DRO operates a voter hotline every Election Day from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm. If you need help, call us at 614-466-7264 or 800-282- 9181. Our normal intake line is open from 9 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 4 pm, Monday through Friday. We are working remotely, so leave us a voicemail and we will call you back.