Town of Pelham taking every safety precaution for by-election voting during COVID-19
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 31, 2020
Pelham, ON – The first advance poll for the upcoming by-election is on September 3, with additional voting days on September 12 (advance poll #2) and September 15 (Election Day). The Town of Pelham is ensuring that all voters and election staff are safe during this very important process.
In addition to the regular election staff, three additional positions have been created to ensure electors have a seamless and safe voting experience. New positions include a physical distancing officer to help guide and remind voters of spatial requirements, a poll station cleaner to ensure readily available and consistent cleaning of high touch points and ballot casting areas, and a health assessment officer who will screen electors as they enter the polling station.
When electors arrive at the polling location, they will be asked health assessment questions provided by Niagara Region Public Health. These questions ensure the safety of the elector and election staff. The questions will be placed outside the polling locations so electors can review them while in line.
The following is a series of installations to the by-election’s voting process to maximize health and safety.
Entry and Exit
There will be separate entry and exit points at the polling stations. Electors will be guided through the pre-determined lines by election staff. Electors are asked to immediately vacate the polling station area after voting to minimize the risk of gatherings.
Face coverings
Under the Regional mandatory mask bylaw, those entering the polling station are required to wear a face covering. It is asked that electors bring their own masks, however, there will be masks available for those who require them.
Hand sanitizer
Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the voting location and electors are encouraged to use it before and after voting.
Physical Distancing
Signage, floor stickers, and guidance from the Physical Distancing Officer will be prevalent at all voting locations. There is a maximum number of people permitted in the polling station at a time and all electors are asked to remain two metres apart at all times. Election staff will also remain two metres apart from one another at all times.
Voting
Electors will vote in alternating voting booths. There will be six in total. The first round of voters will go to booths 1, 3, and 5. As the second round of voters goes to booths 2,4, and 6, the alternate booths will be cleaned.
Cleaning
A polling station Cleaning Officer will be on-site to clean voting booths after each elector casts their ballot. The Cleaning Officer will remain distanced from voters to protect the integrity of their vote and will only clean the booth once they have vacated the area and it is safe to do so. The Cleaning Officer will use spray cleaner approved for disinfection and single-use paper towels, continuously wiping down high-touch surfaces, logging their activity throughout the day.
Pens
Each elector will be provided with a pen to cast their vote. They are encouraged to take their pen home with them; however, a disposal bin will be available.
If you fail the screening
If someone fails the screening, they are to contact Niagara Region Public Health and Emergency Services at 905-688-8248. Press 7 then 2 to speak with a nurse. Alternatively, they can contact their health care provider. People who fail the screening assessment cannot vote in-person. Proxy voting, and special ballot requests for those directly affected by COVID-19, are available.
For more information about this year’s by-election, visit: www.pelham.ca/by-election-2020
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For more information, please contact:
Marc MacDonald
Communications and Public Relations Specialist
905-892-2607 x309
mmacdonald@pelham.ca