Members,
We are days away from the 2021 Run-Off Election for Assistant Chief.  The Election Board continues to monitor the latest guidance issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to establish processes and procedures that best reduce the potential spread of COVID-19 and the Delta variant at polling locations.  The Election Board has outlined safety measures to ensure all eligible voters can exercise their voting rights while keeping voters and workers safe. Everyone must comply with the outlined safety measures. Below are the Election Board's expectations for Election Day and some Frequently Asked Questions.

Safety Procedures

Face coverings are NOT required for voters. However, face coverings are encouraged, and disposable masks will be available at all polling locations.

Face coverings will be required for all poll workers, poll watchers, poll chairs, and contractors in the polling area.

Eligible Voters will NOT be turned away or denied the right to vote.

Each Voter will be provided a disinfected pen or pencil to fill out the ballot.

Polling locations will be arranged to allow for six (6) feet between voters. Polling places will have visible markings to indicate where voters are to stand. Poll Chairs will monitor social distancing.

When evaluating a voter's photo ID, poll workers will ask voters wearing a mask to step back six (6) feet and briefly lower their face covering for verification purposes.

It is suggested that voters, if possible, vote at off-peak times, such as mid-morning or mid-afternoon.

If the schedule permits, voters should monitor the line from their vehicle and join when the line is short.

To avoid being in the polling area longer than necessary, be sure to have your correct information, such as band membership and proper government photo ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

Must I show my vaccination card to vote?

No. Voters are NOT required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination.  

Will there be signs posted to give directions?

Yes.  Signs will be posted to remind voters to leave space between themselves and others.

What are other steps taken to remind everyone to social distance?

Each polling location will contain visual cues such as floor markings and decals to help guide voters for proper social distancing.

Plexiglass will be used to protect poll workers.

Polling Chairs will help manage lines to ensure social distancing is maintained.

Each polling site will mark points of entry and exits to avoid bottlenecks.

Signs will be displayed to discourage voters and workers from greeting others with physical contact (e.g., handshakes).

Are there other expectations beyond safety?

Title X prohibits campaigning near and inside the polling locations.  "No person is allowed to electioneer within 100 feet of the building where the election is in progress. Persons in violation of this section shall be subject to removal by the polling location security." See Section 411.

What is Electioneering?

"Electioneering" means actively campaigning for or against the election of a candidate. This includes, but is not limited to, wearing clothing or material that supports a candidate for office and discussing the election of a candidate with a potential voter. See Section 101

What if I forget and accidentally wear a shirt or button that supports a candidate?

The polling location will provide a plastic vest to cover the shirt. Buttons or other small campaign materials should be held out of sight until you finish voting and leave the polling location.  

What about my car? Can I have campaign signs on my vehicle?

It is not deemed electioneering for a vehicle to display support for a candidate when voting. However, if a vehicle displays support for a candidate, that person and the vehicle must leave the polling location immediately after voting.  See Section 101.

General Decorum
All individuals are asked to refrain from talking on the phone, taking pictures, and shooting videos in the polling area.  

Any questions regarding the procedures, please call (405) 652-0195, or email electionboard@sno-nsn.gov.

Respectfully,

Kissie & Stephanie