Recommendations for Election Polling Locations from the CDC
Interim guidance from the CDC to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 during Elections
Please visit the CDC page for the full list including additional details.
Actions for elections officials in advance of election day
- Encourage mail-in methods of voting if allowed in the jurisdiction
- Encourage early voting, where voter crowds may be smaller throughout the day
- Encourage voters planning to vote in-person on election day to arrive at off-peak times
- Encourage relocating polling places from nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and senior living residences, to minimize COVID-19 exposure among older individuals and those with chronic medical conditions
Preventive actions polling workers can take
- Stay at home if you have fever, respiratory symptoms, or believe you are sick
- Practice hand hygiene frequently
- Practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces
- Disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated with germs after cleaning
- Clean and disinfect voting-associated equipment (e.g., voting machines, laptops, tablets, keyboards) routinely
Preventive action polling stations workers can take for themselves and the general public
- 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
- Incorporate social distancing strategies, as feasible
Looking for Personal Protection Equipment supplies for Election Day?