Protecting Your Health & Safety

Protecting democracy and Americans’ ability to vote is critical. Equally important is protecting your health, the health of the voters you interact with, and the health of your friends and family.

The Poll Hero Project is unable to provide you with safety equipment nor are we working directly with election officials on their health protocols. We have, however, worked with public health experts to assemble this list of steps you can take to protect your health and that of those around you. We encourage you to review the CDC’s general recommendations on How to Protect Yourself and Others and more specific Considerations for Election Polling Locations and Workers. 

Some reasons you might not want to be a poll worker

• If you have an underlying health condition that puts you in a higher risk category for severe illness.

• If, in the event you do get sick, you are unable to social distance from older people or people with underlying health conditions.

• If the health risks associated with being a poll worker would cause excessive anxiety.

What to do before Election Day

• When your election officials contact you about participating, here are some questions you might want to ask:

  • What steps are you taking to protect poll workers from Covid-19?

  • Is there a website where your safety measures are listed?

  • Do you have an alternative voting option for voters who know they are Covid-19 positive or are showing symptoms?

  • Are you providing poll workers with equipment like masks, eye protection, hand sanitizer, etc.?

  • Will I be asked to disinfect equipment and/or facilities? And if so, will I be trained on proper cleaning procedures and provided with proper equipment?

  • What measures are being taken to ensure social distancing at all times? (Marked standing locations six feet apart, separate entrances and exits, voting machines spaced apart, etc.)

  • Are you requiring masks to be worn inside polling locations at all times? (This is critical.)

  • How do you intend to increase ventilation in polling locations?

  • Will we be trained on how to handle non-compliance with health measures? Will there be security present to enforce these measures if a voter refuses to comply?

  • Will I be allowed to take breaks to appropriately leave the facility to remove my mask to eat and drink?

• If you’re not satisfied with their health protocols, tell them.

• If after telling them and giving them time to respond you are still not satisfied, resign.

• Call your doctor and ask if there are any reasons you shouldn’t be a poll worker.

• If you have tested positive for Covid-19 or have had close contact with a person who has Covid-19, you should stay home and contact your election officials that you will not be able to work.

• Purchase any of the supplies below that you’d like to have on Election Day.

What to bring on Election Day

• At least two masks (in case one becomes soiled.)

• A face shield or goggles if you want extra protection.

• Hand sanitizer, which you should use frequently throughout your shift.

• Water and snacks to help you stay focused and disciplined in your work and implementation of health precautions. (Make sure to practice social distancing any time you need to remove your mask to eat or drink.)

What to do after Election Day

• Monitor your health for Covid-19 symptoms.

• If you start to experience symptoms, get tested.