Voter Do’s And Don’ts For In Person Voting November 3rd

There are a few rules in place at polling places across the Ozarks.

Election officials say you’ll want to make sure you prepare ahead of time, as lines are expected to be long.

They recommend bringing at least 2 masks with you, in case your polling place requires them, as well as hand sanitizers, tissues and a black ink pen.

You should also double check all your documents, and make sure you’re in the right polling place before waiting.

The Secretary of State’s Office says you’ll be able to vote as long as you’re in line at a polling location when the clock hits 7 pm.

The Election Night Reporting Site will not be activated until all polling places are closed and all votes have been cast.

Political t-shirts, hats or buttons will not be allowed in polling places.

The only people allowed inside are registered voters, kids under 18 with an adult who is voting, election authority personnel and law enforcement officials.

Officials at Capital Region Medical Center also recommend these safety tips:

1. Check your voting location. Your usual polling place may have changed due to COVID-19 concerns.

2. Review your documents. Make sure you have everything you’ll need to vote, including any necessary identification.

3. Complete a sample ballot at home. This will help you move through the voting process more quickly.

4. Bring your own supplies. This includes:

• A mask and a spare, in case yours gets wet or dirty.
• Tissues.
• Hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Bottled water.
• Food in case there’s a long wait.
• A black ink pen, if needed.

5. Leave the kids at home. In a normal year, it’s great to introduce kids to the voting process. But this year, it’s most important to avoid bringing unnecessary people with you to the polling place, if possible.

6. Get to your polling place as safely as possible. Try to avoid crowded buses or trains. If you use public transportation, open the windows for ventilation if you can. Wear a mask. And use hand sanitizer after touching hand rails and doors.

7. Avoid crowds. Vote early, if possible—and at off-peak times, like mid-morning. If you drove, wait in the car until you can see lines are shorter.

8. Clean your hands often. Use your hand sanitizer before entering and after leaving your polling place. But do not touch electronic screens until your hands are dry. Sanitizer can damage screens. Do not wipe down any voting equipment unless you’re told to do so by a poll worker.

9. Keep your distance. Stay at least 6 feet away from others when in line and at polling tables. And follow directions to enter and exit safely.

10. Wear your face mask at all times. Keep it on while in line and while voting—and make sure you’re wearing it properly.