Voting Safely During the COVID-19 Outbreak

You may be wondering how to vote safely in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak. DoSomething is here to help make sure your voice is still heard.

Vote By Mail

If the deadline to request an absentee ballot in your state has not passed, take 2 minutes to request one (Note: many states have extended their deadlines and these changes are occurring rapidly, so you can also check your state’s election website for the most up to date information). Voting by mail is likely the safest option for most people, but remember to seal your envelope with a damp rag instead of licking it to avoid spreading germs.

Voting In Person

If you cannot vote by mail and in person voting is still available where you live, you should consider whether you are at a high risk and feel comfortable going to your polling place. If you decide to go, there are precautions to take to do so as safely as possible:

• Follow physical distancing practices by standing 6 feet apart in line whenever you can.
• Use hand sanitizer before and after voting.
• Use disinfectant wipes on any surfaces you touch.
• Consider bringing your own pen to fill in forms.
• The longest lines at polling places generally occur in the morning before work, midday during lunch breaks, and after people get out of work. Going to the polls during off-peak hours may reduce the number of people you need to stand near, but it is hard to predict how COVID-19 restrictions and the increased number of people working from home will affect this.

Find your polling place. Note: Some locations have been closed/updated because of the COVID-19 outbreak. The linked resource provides ways to find your polling place amid the outbreak.

Stay Safe

We know this is a confusing and scary time for many of you. There is a lot of uncertainty, but we hope these guidelines can help. Don’t forget that your safety and health, including your mental health, are the most important things. Email us at covid@dosomething.org if you have any additional questions or need further support.