What to know about 2020 in-person voting in Wisconsin
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Many municipalities are offering fewer polling places for this election due to capacity restrictions or volunteer availability, so it is important to check where your voting site is on November 3. However, there are more polls now than for previous elections during the pandemic. You should also be prepared for longer lines and possibly more time spent inside your polling location than previous years.
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The Wisconsin Elections Commission has trained workers at polling locations to help voters practice safe voting by encouraging social distancing (there may or may not be markers/tape on the ground to indicate 6 feet), face coverings and access to hand sanitizer.
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Face coverings are mandated in public in Wisconsin, but in the event you come in contact with other voters who aren’t wearing face coverings, please keep your distance and use sanitizer.
Tips for keeping yourself and your community safe -
Verify that your voter registration information is correct in advance of voting to avoid delays. You can do so at MyVote Wisconsin.
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Wear a face covering and practice social distancing, even with a face covering.
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Consider wearing goggles or a face shield in addition to face mask.
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Bring your own blue or black ink pen for signing your name and voting.
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Bring your own travel-sized hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol and use it frequently, especially after any in-person interaction with the poll workers and after touching high-touch surfaces such as door handles and voting machines.
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Make sure you have your required photo ID easily accessible to avoid delays at your polling location.
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Vote at off-peak times, such as mid-morning.
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If your schedule allows, monitor the voter line from your car and join when it’s shorter.
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Consider curbside voting if you are immunocompromised, have a disability or have been exposed to or have symptoms of COVID-19. Learn more about curbside voting. If curbside voting is not available, consider having a trusted designee wait in line for you while you wait in your vehicle, until it is time for you to vote.
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If possible, avoid bringing your children to the polls.
Sources: Wisconsin Elections Commission, CDC
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