How Seniors Can Vote Safely in the 2020 Election

With election day fast approaching, voters of all ages are experiencing concerns around voter safety in the age of COVID-19. While the last 6+ months have focused on the importance of social distancing and limiting contact with others, a typical trip to the polls includes quite the opposite – busy rooms and long lines. As a higher-risk group than their younger counterparts, seniors especially need to take proper precautions to protect their safety and well-being while voting. Typically, seniors make up a strong portion of the electorate—with a recent study at Harvard _[1] confirming that 90% of all Americans aged 60 and older are registered to vote, compared to 75% of adults aged 18 to 30. The pandemic shouldn’t mean that vulnerable groups like America’s seniors are prevented from casting their votes, which is why we’ve compiled some tips for voter safety in the upcoming election. 

Planning Ahead

Know what you’re dealing with! Check virus transmission data in your community. If you’re in a high-risk area, it’s worth considering early voting or voting absentee, also called vote by mail.

Early voting, if available in your state, can help you avoid the masses and large crowds that line up at the polls on election day. Many states offer early voting for a few days, some for more than a week; with more spread-out opportunities for folks to vote, the congestion at the polls will be significantly reduced. Check HERE _[2] to see what your state’s early voting options are.

Absentee voting, or “vote by mail,” lets vulnerable individuals fill out a ballot at home and mail it in. This minimizes contact with the outside world and the risk factors that come with exposure to groups of people during COVID. While not all states typically offer vote by mail alternatives, more than ever are allowing their residents to do so to keep folks safe in the pandemic. Check HERE _[3] to see what your state’s absentee voting options are.

Election Day Safety

If you do choose to vote in-person on election day, we encourage seniors to call their polling places ahead of time to make sure the location is accessible and has assistance available, if needed. If seniors require extra support or reassurance, a caretaker or friend can go to the voting place ahead of time to ensure the space is ADA compliant and fits the seniors’ needs. 

Additionally, seniors who don’t drive should consider taking a rideshare app, such as Lyft or Uber, to their polling location, to preserve their independence and agency–especially important for something as personal as voting. This is a safer option than public transit or walking, as it limits contact with others who could potentially infect them with COVID-19.

At the Voting Booth

In the event of long wait times, voters should make sure they have water, a snack, and any medications they need, as well as extra PPE (mask and/or gloves). Additionally, try to avoid popular times, such as before 9 AM, lunchtime, and after 4 PM. Voting during off-hours means you’re less likely to encounter long lines or bustling crowds. Finally, follow all social distancing protocol and CDC recommendations _[4] leading up to and on voting day to keep fellow voters safe, as well as yourself. 

Lastly, seniors can maintain independence while giving family members peace of mind with one of ADT’s suite of health alert systems, such as our On-The-Go unit that allows folks to enjoy their lives while knowing that help is always close by if needed. The portable unit comes with built-in GPS and fall detection technology, so you can take it from home to the voting booth, and anywhere in between. 

As a leading security brand offering a range of medical alert devices, ADT understands the importance of keeping people, especially seniors, safe and informed about their options while maintaining their freedom and quality of life. We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable voting experience!

Sources:

[1] https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/kshepsle/files/mobility_model_v6.3.pdf?m=1360041584

[2] https://www.usa.gov/absentee-voting

[3] https://time.com/5889969/how-to-vote-by-mail/

[4] https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

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