By: Donovan W. Mann – donovanm@977thebolt.com
Des Moines, IA – Iowa’s Secretary of State is helping protect those working the polls across the state during the 2020 General Election.
Announced via a media release from the Office of Secretary Pate he confirms that he is working to distribute personal protective equipment to Iowa counties. Additionally the secretary is providing two million dollars in funds for the counties to utilize as well.
Secretary Pate says his office is making sure that all Iowans are as safe as possible while exercising their rights as an American citizen. “Making sure Iowans can safely cast their ballot is vital. It is your choice whether you want to vote absentee or at the polls,” he says. “Polls will be open on November 3. We are providing the materials necessary to protect voters and poll workers and reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.”
The PPE that will be distributed include face shields, masks, gloves, hand sanitizer and social distancing markers that will be used at the polls on election day. The funds being utilized are part of the CARES Act. Each county will receive $5,000 as a base amount and then an additional $850 for each precinct. Each county can use the funds for additional PPE, polling place supplies, training materials for poll workers and for disinfecting polling places.
Secretary Pate encourages all Iowans to exercise their right and cast their ballot in the coming election. Those wishing to vote in-person can do so on Nov. 3. Absentee ballot request forms are expected to be mailed out in last Aug. to all active registered voters in the state.
More information about voting in Iowa can be found at voterready.iowa.gov.