Toolkit for Reducing the Spread of COVID-19 During Elections

Sample Text for Newsletters and Emails

Election officials and poll workers can help lower the risk of COVID-19 spread at polling locations through personal prevention practices and cleaning and disinfection. This includes wearing a mask, staying at least 6 feet apart, staying home when sick, handwashing, and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.

Election officials can:

• Increase awareness of voting methods that minimize direct contact and reduce crowd size at polling locations.
  • This includes options for voters who may be sick with COVID-19.
• Inform voters about protective measures to expect when voting in person.

Election officials and poll workers can also:

• Provide alcohol-based hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol to use at voting locations.
• Recommend that voters wear a mask.
• Post signs and messages about staying at least 6 feet apart and wearing a mask.
• Establish physical reminders of distancing 6 feet apart by using chalk, tape, or stickers to add physical guides and by adding one-way directional signage to floors and walls.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and voting-associated equipment frequently, following equipment manufacturers’ instructionsexternal icon.

For more information, see the Considerations for Elections Polling Locations and Voters and these Tips for Voters to help voters and poll workers stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For Voters Who Are Voting In Person

Are you voting in person in this election? Here are some things you should keep in mind to help you lower your risk of getting COVID-19.

As a voter, you can minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission at polling locations by using personal prevention practices. This includes wearing a mask and maintaining at least six feet of distance from people who don’t live with you.

You can also:

• Follow preventive measures for transportation to and from the polls.
• Check voting locations and requirements before going to vote because these may have changed due to COVID-19.
• Try to avoid crowds.
  • Use early voting, if available.
  • Vote at off-peak times, such as mid-morning.
• Bring an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol to use before and after voting.
• Check the local election office websiteexternal icon for information on voting options available in the jurisdiction.
• Ask poll workers what options they offer for casting your ballot if you have symptoms of COVID-19.

For more information, see the Considerations for Elections Polling Locations and Voters and these Tips for Voters to help stay safe during the pandemic.