Election will not be normal, but still important

The 2020 Primary Election will be groundbreaking — not for the results, as there is little of suspense on the ballot this spring, but because of the accommodations needed to insure protection of both voting rights and public health in a pandemic.

In Montgomery County, officials are planning to reduce the number of polling places by about 60 percent for the June 2 primary election. “This means instead of 352 polling locations there will be 140 locations,” county Commissioner Kenneth E. Lawrence Jr. explained during a recent news briefing. “Most polling locations will host three or more precincts in one location.”

“This proposed plan will move all polling locations into public schools for the primary election only. Since normal school operations are suspended for the remainder of the year, school buildings provide a space that provides the least chance of exposure to any individual not directly involved in the election day activities,” Lawrence explained.

“School buildings are also uniquely equipped to handle the amount of voters we may see on election day and provide adequate parking and space for social distancing,” Lawrence added. “After the election, all buildings will be sanitized and left in the same condition as prior to election day.”

Lawrence said county officials have discussed the plan with the superintendents of the school districts in the county.

“As required by law, county representatives have started posting notices on the doors of and at areas close to each polling location to alert the public of the proposed changes,” Lawrence said.

Once the plan is approved, a letter explaining the changes will be mailed to every voter impacted by the changes, Lawrence said.

In March, Gov. Tom Wolf, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, signed legislation allowing counties to consolidate up to 60 percent of polling places in order to reduce the number of poll workers needed for the primary election.

County officials previously said the pandemic presented challenges for election officials regarding the number of polling places and the number of poll workers available to man the precincts.

In Berks County, Elections Director Deborah Olivieri said the county is desperately seeking poll workers after at least 300 people who normally participate decided to sit this election out.

There are 202 polling locations in Berks, and each typically has four poll workers for a total of about 1,200 workers countywide. Olivieri said many poll workers fall into the older age bracket that’s most susceptible to severe cases of COVID-19.

While we strongly encourage people to vote by mail to reduce the crowds at polls, we can’t endorse requiring it for everyone at this point. In any case, state officials are not pursuing exclusive vote by mail, so counties are going to have to operate the polls somehow.

Montgomery County’s plan appears to be well thought-out and doable, in spite of the disruption.

“Clearly, this will not be a normal election and we will be taking every precaution we can to protect our citizens, both voters and poll workers. Our poll workers will be provided masks and gloves. We will have face shields available for those poll workers who are required to interact more directly with the public,” Lawrence explained.

“Voting equipment will be sanitized prior to the opening of the polls and on a regular basis throughout the day. Floors and areas where lines could occur will be marked to remind those of the adequate space required for social distancing,” Lawrence added.

Voters will be asked to bring their own pens and to wear masks to the polling places.

“Hand sanitizer will be provided at all of the polling places,” Lawrence said.

The deadline to apply to vote by mail is May 26 and the ballot must be returned to voter services by 8 p.m. June 2.

The last day to register to vote for the primary election is May 18.

We must not let this virus prevent people from voting. Let’s each do our part to make sure we have a successful election.