By: Donovan W. Mann – [email protected]
Humboldt County, IA – Humboldt County is doing all they can to assure the health and safety of those who vote in person during this coming election.
The absentee voting period is open and many voters in Humboldt County along with the rest of Iowa have already begun casting their ballots. However, for those who have chosen to vote on Election Day for this year’s General Election can do so knowing that the election officials are doing all they can to assure the health of all voters.
Humboldt County Auditor Peggy Rice says the mitigation efforts start right as you walk through the door. “First off when you come in there will be hand sanitizer there, there will be masks there,” she say. Masks are highly recommended but not a requirement to enter the polling locations. Voters will be given a pen at the start of the process as well and that pen is not to be returned. Voters use it from start to finish and can either take it with them or throw it away when they are done. “We’re not going to sterilize pens, we’re not going to share pens.”
Rice says that they will be doing everything they can to make sure everything is kept clean and asks people remember to social distance. “Everything in the polling place will be clean and ready to go and hopefully social distancing.” Rice says to “Make sure when you go” to maintain that six feet as best as possible. She also reminds voters to “be patient” because General Election crowds are always larger. The voting process may take longer as a result but the workers are working hard to make the process as easy as possible for voters. “But just give it time, they’ll get you through it.”
Curb side voting will be available for those either unable to or who do not feel safe getting out of their cars. Rice does confirm this option will be available for those who want the in-person experience. The option is open for everyone one who wishes to take advantage of it. This process starts by two workers bringing out a ballot to the voter. Once it is filled out the voters seals it and returns it to the workers who will run it through the machine so it is tallied.
Polling places will be open for the 2020 General Election on Nov. 3. Humboldt County Auditor Peggy Rice and all of the election officials will be doing everything in their power to make sure voters are safe while they cast their ballots.