Key Takeaways

The countdown is on to the 2020 Presidential election—debatably one of the most important elections in our lifetime. Normally, the poll sites are packed with people lining up outside voting centers every November. But as COVID-19 has proven, this year is anything but normal, and certain measures must be taken to ensure the highly contagious virus doesn’t spread any further.

To find out what the rules and restrictions are in your state, visitCan I Vote, where, after selecting your state, you will be directed to your state’s absentee voting page.

CDC Expands List of Groups at Risk for COVID-19

Steps to Take if Voting In Person

“Call ahead and ask what protocols they have in place—such as sanitization protocols (like frequent sanitizing of surfaces, door knobs, etc.), personal protective equipment (PPE) for poll workers (at least a mask, shield, and gloves), separate entrance and exit to allow for lack of crowding, spacing between booths and folks in line, and plexiglass between voters and poll workers,” Matifadza Hlatshwayo Davis, MD, an infectious disease physician at Washington University School of Medicine and the VA St. Louis Health Care System, tells Verywell.

Verify Your Voter Registration Information

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendsverifying that your voter registration information is correctin advance of reporting to the polling location. If you’ve had a name change or address change since the last time you voted, you’ll need to update your voter registration.

Compile Any Necessary Documents

Make sure you have all necessary documents to avoid delays at the polling location. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 36 states require or request some sort of ID at the polls.Check theNCSL websiteto see if your state’s laws require an ID to vote, and if so, what kind.

First-time voters who have not already provided verification of their identification will need to bring an ID to vote, according to federal law.

If possible, complete any registration forms prior to arriving at the polls. If you can, try and review or complete a sample ballot at home to speed the process of casting your ballot at the polling location.

Wear a Mask and Practice Good Hygiene

Another crucial step in protecting yourself and those around you from the spread of COVID-19 is to wear a mask at all times.

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“Although some states have not mandated the use of masks, I would strongly recommend wearing one in this instance,” Rossi says. “Sanitize your hands upon arrival and after completion of voting. It is very important to refrain from touching your face or adjusting your mask, especially after touching anything in the voting booth.”

The CDC notes that some alcohol-based hand sanitizers may not be compatible with electronic voting equipment and may damage paper ballots, so poll workers and voters should ensure their hands are completely dry before handling these items.

“If possible, bring your own black pen or use a stylus to submit your vote, and maintain a 6-foot radius of social distancing while waiting to vote,” Rossi says. “Lines should be reduced as much as possible with strict social distancing measures enforced between each voter as they wait in line.”

Will Long Lines Increase Your Transmission Risk?According to Manisha Sharma, MD, a family medicine physician and co-founder ofVoteHealth2020, there is always a risk of transmission with the COVID-19 virus when waiting in lines. “But if you mask up, stay 6 feet or more apart from others, and wash your hands before and after voting, your chance of transmission is less than 3%,” Sharma tells Verywell. “That’s less of a chance than catching the flu pre-COVID.”

Will Long Lines Increase Your Transmission Risk?

According to Manisha Sharma, MD, a family medicine physician and co-founder ofVoteHealth2020, there is always a risk of transmission with the COVID-19 virus when waiting in lines. “But if you mask up, stay 6 feet or more apart from others, and wash your hands before and after voting, your chance of transmission is less than 3%,” Sharma tells Verywell. “That’s less of a chance than catching the flu pre-COVID.”

Can You Contract COVID-19 From Touching Surfaces at the Polls?

Although you’re less likely to contract COVID-19 from touching surfaces than through respiratory droplets, it’s still a possibility, and should be taken into account when casting your ballot.

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The information in this article is current as of the date listed, which means newer information may be available when you read this. For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page.

3 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.COVID-19: People with certain medical conditions.National Conference of State Legislatures.Voter identification requirements.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Considerations for election polling locations and voters.

3 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.COVID-19: People with certain medical conditions.National Conference of State Legislatures.Voter identification requirements.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Considerations for election polling locations and voters.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.COVID-19: People with certain medical conditions.National Conference of State Legislatures.Voter identification requirements.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Considerations for election polling locations and voters.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.COVID-19: People with certain medical conditions.

National Conference of State Legislatures.Voter identification requirements.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Considerations for election polling locations and voters.

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