NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Davidson County Election Administrator Jeff Roberts is asking everyone who goes to the polls this voting season to wear a mask.
The average age of poll workers in Davidson County is 63. Roberts said, while masks are not required inside polling places, he's asking people to consider the consequences on people who guide voters to the August 6 election.
"We do ask that everyone think about that a little bit. The average age of our poll workers is 63," said Roberts. "We have an issue with [them] being at more risk than your average persons. So, you're only wearing that mask for four minutes, throw it away when you're finished."
The county's eleven early voting sites will all have masks for voters should someone forget theirs or just not have one.
Polling places will also be equipped with other ways to stop the spread of COVID-19. Tape on the floor will help voters social distance. Also, there are signs on the doors to encourage mask use and social distancing.
Poll workers will be equipped with gowns, masks and face shields that they will replace every day.
"We're going to make sure our poll workers know those common-sense techniques of lots of handwashing, plenty of sanitizing wipes, hand sanitizer; wear your equipment and we have new replacement equipment every day. So, they will take it off before they go home," said Roberts.
Early voting starts Friday and runs for 14 days until the election. Polling places in Davidson County will be open Monday through Saturday each week. Anyone can go to any of the early voting sites.
The voting machines will be touch-less as voters can use recyclable red plastic coffee stirrers to make their selections.
