As early voting gets underway across the Mid-South, you may be wondering how you can safely practice your right to vote in the middle of a pandemic. With COVID-19 still active in our community, below are several tips to help you safely cast your ballot.

Plan Ahead

Make sure you have all the documents you need to avoid delays once you get to your polling place.

Look at a sample ballot beforehand to speed up the process of casting your ballot.

Bring your own black ink pen.

Bring a stylus or similar object for use with touchscreen voting machines. Make sure you check with poll workers before you use it.

Practice Healthy Hygiene

Wash your hands before you go to the polling location and once you leave.

If available, use hand sanitizer inside the polling location after touching surfaces like the door handles or voting machines.

Wear a mask.

Cover your coughs and sneezes with the inside of your elbow.

Stay 6 feet apart from others, even if you are wearing a mask.

Consider Voting Alternatives

Use early voting, if available in your jurisdiction.

This helps you avoid crowds.

Vote at off-peak times, like mid-morning.

If driving to the polls and your schedule allows, monitor the voter line from your car and join it when it’s shorter.

Visit NonprofitVOTE.org to find voter registration information for all 50 states, voting times and locations.