As Wisconsin enters a period of enforcement of the Safer at Home Order, it is critical to understand the impact this will have on our state’s primary election. As of now, the April 7 Spring Election and Presidential Preference Primary is occurring as scheduled. However, due to current public health conditions, many locations typically used as polling places across the state, such as schools and nursing homes,  are no longer available. This paired with the fact that over 50% of poll workers are above age 60 and considered amongst the most vulnerable population by the CDC , may lead to unique challenges on election day. In order to attempt to mitigate these challenges and remain safe the Wisconsin Elections Committee (WEC) recommends the following:

• Register to vote online, the deadline has been extended by federal court order until March 30^th and the WI Elections Committee is working to reinstate online registration
• Voters who need to register may also do so in person at their municipal clerk’s office until the Friday before the election and on Election Day at the polling place.
• Voters should request an absentee ballot as soon as possible for April 7. The deadline is April 2, but do not wait! Request your absentee ballot online at https://myvote.wi.gov [1]

In addition to the recommendations above to request an absentee ballot, if you decide to vote in person you should  check https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/FindMyPollingPlace,   or contact your local clerk, to ensure you are able to access your polling place in the event it has changed.

Another important consideration aside from the logistics of voting is health and safety. The CDC has issued recommendations for preventing the spread of COVID-19 in election polling locations. The following recommendations were  provided to clerks statewide by the WEC:

• Ensure bathrooms at the polling station are supplied adequately with soap, water, and drying materials so visitors and staff can wash their hands.
• Provide an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol for use before or after using the voting machine or the final step in the voting process. Consider placing the alcohol-based hand sanitizer in visible, frequently used locations such as registration desks and exits.[2]

It is important to note that on March 20, 2020 the WEC sent a letter to Governor Evers requesting assistance securing a supply of sanitation resources and assistance with recruiting poll workers. Their letter stated:

As of today, local election officials do not have access to the people or supplies needed. This leaves voters, clerks, and poll workers to make difficult choices. Voters should not have to choose between voting or staying healthy. Poll workers should not have to choose between serving their community or staying healthy. Our local election officials should not have to choose between facilitating democracy or staying healthy. [3]

In summary, it is important to our communities, our state, and our nation that you vote on Tuesday, April 7.  There are important local school board, state Supreme Court, and national Presidential Primary votes on the ballot.  It is also important that you stay safe and healthy.  You can do both by requesting an absentee ballot.  If that is not possible and you decide to vote in person, please practice social distancing, use hand sanitizer while in the poling place, and wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds as soon as possible after voting.

Stephanie Muñoz

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[1] Wolfe, Megan, and Wisconsin Election Committee. “3.20.20 Letter to Thee Governor.” Received by Governor Evers, 20 Mar. 2020.

[2] “Preventing Spread of COVID-19 in Election Polling Locations.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 10 Mar. 2020, www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/election-polling-locations.html.

[3] “2019 Election Security Subgrant Program.” Front Page, 2020, elections.wi.gov/.