FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Media Relations
Know your options to ensure voting during the pandemic won't jeopardize your health
In this historic and unprecedented election season, we expect to see a record number of voters
casting ballots for candidates seeking national, state and local offices. Whether you vote early,
by mail or in person, or choose to visit your polling place on Election Day, election agencies across
the nation are partnering with their state and local public health officials to make the process as
safe and secure as possible so that every voice can be heard.
No civic task is more important than voting. Without question, the decisions you make on your
ballot will have a direct impact on your health, the health of your neighbors and the health of
your states and communities. Did you know that at least 50% of our health is determined by the
social, economic and environmental conditions in the community where we live? Those
conditions are impacted by policies supported or opposed by elected officials, which is why
voting is critical to a thriving community!
Knowing your voting options and what you can do to vote safely will ensure that casting your
vote during the pandemic will not compromise your health.
First, we urge all in-person voters to wear a mask and observe physical distancing
recommendations. Voting locations across the country have made changes to allow voters more
room to spread out while waiting in line. Many have made hand sanitizer or hand washing
stations available to in-person voters. Election workers are cleaning high touch surfaces regularly,
and some states offer single use items such as pens, cotton swabs, or finger cots, to limit your
contact with public surfaces, depending on the voting technology in use.
Polling places also may offer guidance about the appropriate use of your own sanitizing wipes or
cleansers when in the voting booth, as your personal sanitizers can damage sensitive surfaces or
interfere with voting machines. Finally, if your state offers in-person early voting, we strongly
recommend that you consider this option. Early voting will help you avoid crowds, save time, and
reduce Election Day lines.
Voters who are ill or worried they might have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their
local elections office for information regarding their voting options. Many states offer curbside
voting so that sick or at-risk voters can cast their ballots outdoors or from their vehicles.
HealthyVoting.org is a helpful resource featuring state-by-state healthy voting tips and other
information. For official guidance, however, you should consult your state and local election
officials.
Together, our 10 organizations serve millions of people in all 50 states and the District of
Columbia. We are state and local public health leaders, educators, physicians, and attorneys,
among others, focused on ensuring a safe and healthy voting environment.
Whether you choose to vote by mail, to cast your ballot in person before Election Day, or to vote
at your polling place on Nov. 3, know that we all are working together to ensure your
health so that you can confidently choose the government you believe will best promote and
protect your health and the health of those around you.
Sincerely,
American Public Health Association
American College of Preventive Medicine
American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare
Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health
Association of State and Territorial Health Officials
Big Cities Health Coalition
National Association of County and City Health Officials
National Network of Public Health Institutes
Network for Public Health Law
Public Health Accreditation Board
Trust for America's Health
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The American Public Health Association champions the health of all people and all communities. We are the only organization that combines a nearly 150-year perspective, a broad-based member community and the ability to influence federal policy to improve the public’s health. Learn more at www.apha.org.