LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Tuesday, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) released recommendations for voters, poll workers and election officials for voting safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This guidance allows Michiganders to carry out their right to vote while doing it safely during the pandemic,” chief medical executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun said in a statement. “I encourage registered voters to consider voting alternatives to limit the number of people they come in contact with and to help reduce the spread of the virus.”
All registered voters may vote early by visiting their city or township clerk’s office through November 2. There they can request, fill out and submit an absentee ballot all in one trip, or take their ballot home to fill out and sign the envelope before returning it to one of their jurisdiction’s ballot drop boxes by 8 p.m. on November 3.
Election workers, who are required to wear masks, will ask voters to show photo ID. Eligible citizens who are not yet registered may register, request and submit an absentee ballot at their local clerk’s office through 8 p.m. on November 3.
When voting or returning a ballot, MDHHS says residents should practice healthy behaviors to protect themselves and slow the spread of the virus. These behaviors include:
- Wearing a mask that covers your mouth and nose.
- Washing hands before entering and after leaving the polling location.
- While in the polling location, frequently use alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
- Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of your elbow.
- Maintain at least 6 feet (about two arms’ length) of distance from others.
If you are sick or concerned you have been exposed to COVID-19, seek medical care. If you don’t have an absentee ballot, contact your local election office for guidance about voting options.
“Michigan citizens can cast their ballots safely and with confidence in this election,” Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said in a statement. “All election workers are required to wear masks and all voters are strongly encouraged to do so. Voters who already have absentee ballots can drop them off at their city or township clerk’s office or ballot drop box. Voters can also go to their local clerk’s office through Nov. 2 to vote early by requesting and submitting an absentee ballot.”
Guidance is based on the most current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and MDHHS recommendations for prevention of the spread of COVID-19.
For more tips, voters can read the “Recommendations for Healthy Voting in Michigan” document.
