Michigan Dept of Health and Human Services Recommendations For Michiganders to Vote Safely During COVID-19.

Editor in Chief & Publisher Jeff Brown.

According to a October 28 press release from the Michigan Dept of Health and Human Services, to ensure Michigan voters remain healthy and reduce the spread of COVID-19 during the Nov. 3 general election, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has released recommendations for voters, poll workers and election officials.

According to the statement, “This guidance allows Michiganders to carry out their right to vote while doing it safely during the pandemic,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “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.”

“Michigan citizens can cast their ballots safely and with confidence in this election,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. “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.”

According to MDHHS, all registered voters may vote early by visiting their city or township clerk’s office through Nov. 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 Nov 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 Nov. 3, according to the press release.

 

Remember, when you vote or return your ballot, practice healthy behaviors to protect yourself 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. This according to MDHHS.

So, remember everybody, 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.

 

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