Primary voters urged, but not required, to wear masks

All Pike County polling locations will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2, for in-person voting during Pennsylvania’s primary election.

The county commissioners on May 21 announced the COVID-19 safeguards to be taken at the polls, as follows:

Pens

Voters are asked to bring their own pens (blue or black ink only) for signing the poll book and marking their ballot. Disposable pens will be available to anyone who does not bring their own.

Masks

Voters are asked to wear a mask inside the polling place, but no one will be denied the right to vote for refusing to wear a mask.

"Wearing a mask is not required by law, but it is a strong recommendation of the Department of Health," said Krista Gromalski, Communications Director for the Pike County Commissioners Office.

The commissioners point out that many poll workers are in a high-risk demographic and will be exposing themselves to the public for more than 14 hours while conducting the election.

"We ask you to honor their courage and commitment by wearing a mask to protect them and out of respect for your fellow voters who may have conditions that put them at risk," the commissioners said in a statement.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up in a couple of weeks. Older adults and people with existing health problems are at higher risk of more severe illness, including pneumonia, or death.

Social distancing

The number of voters allowed inside the polls at one time will be limited to 10, but the number may be less, depending on the size of the room. This will be left to the discretion of the Judge of Elections.

Voters must maintain a six-foot distance from others while waiting in line inside and outside the polling place. This will be enforced.

Sanitizing and shields

Voting booths and equipment will be sanitized after each voter uses them, so wait times may be longer.

Plexiglass shields will be in place at sign-in and ballot-issue stations.

"Pike County polling places will be fully staffed and operational for the June 2 primary election due to the dedication of our poll workers and their willingness to carry out their Election Day duties during this pandemic," say the commissioners. "They have stepped up to do their part. We are asking our voters to do theirs."