https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/going-out/voting-tips.html
There are steps you can take to help you vote and minimize your risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. The more prepared you are, the less time you may have to spend at the voting site.
When voting, you can protect yourself and others if you:
- avoid close contact: try to stay at least 6 feet apart of other people, especially those not wearing a mask
- wear a mask around others
- take care when touching surfaces and wash your hands often or, if not possible, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
6 Steps – Before you vote
More Info for Voting
Check that you are registered
- This may increase your available voting options, and can also help you spend less time at your voting place
Check how you can vote
- Some states offer early voting and, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, some have expanded this option
- Consider early voting, if available, in case you are unable to vote on election day
- States must offer accessible options for people with disabilities, but options may vary by state, so check ahead of time what your state’s option may be
- If you live in a long-term care facility pdf icon[1.2 MB, 15 pages] or similar place, you may be able to have supervised absentee voting
Check when and where you can voteexternal icon
- Your place to vote may have changed from previous elections because of COVID-19
- If you are at higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19, plan to vote when it is not so busy, like mid-morning
- Check ahead for places or times you can vote
- Check ahead with your place to vote for options for people with disabilities
Plan how you can get to your place to vote in the safest way possible
- Try to avoid crowded ride sharing services, buses, or trains
- Protect Yourself When Using Transportation
- Some public and private transport services offer free or cheaper rides for voting
- Older people or people with disabilities may be able to get help with getting to their voting place
- Check if in your area private carpool companies, volunteer organizations or your city public transportation offer these services
- If you drive and if you are able to check the voter line, join when the line is shorter
Plan for someone to take care of your loved ones
- Taking children with you to vote can increase their risk of getting COVID-19
- If you are the main caregiver at home, ask someone to watch your loved ones
- Ask this person to wear a mask if they don’t live with you
Be prepared so you can limit the time you are in your voting place
- This will help reduce risk for COVID-19 by avoiding delays when you vote
- If you can, fill in any registration forms before going to vote
- The more prepared you are, the less time you may have to spend at the voting site
- Check to see if your state has sample ballots
- To speed up voting, you can make a list or fill in a sample ballot to take with you
6 Steps – The day you vote
The more prepared you are, the more you reduce your risk of getting and spreading COVID-19.lite icon
People who are sick can follow CDC advice for when to be around others.
Bring your own supplies
- Use this checklist to remember things to bring with you when you go to vote:
- Necessary documentation such as your identification (check with your voting site)
- A mask
- An extra mask
- Tissues
- Hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
- Water
- Black ink pen
- Bring prepared items with you (e.g., registration forms, sample ballots)
Wear a mask
You should wear a mask consistently and correctly in public and around people who don’t live with you.
- If you must take your mask off, use hand sanitizer before and after
- Have an extra mask in case yours gets wet or dirty
A few people might not be able to wear a mask because of a disability or condition.lite icon
Protect yourself when using transport
- Open windows if you can
- Wear a mask
- Avoid touching things if you can and use hand sanitizer if you do
- Stay 6 feet (about two arm lengths) apart from others if you can
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Clean your hands often
- Wash your hands or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol before entering and after leaving your place of voting
- Use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol before and after touching items that many others may have touched, such as door handles
- Do not wipe down voting equipment unless you are told to do so
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Keep your distance from others
- Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ lengths) from other people as much as you can
- Stay apart even if you are wearing masks