NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Election commissions across Tennessee are preparing for the two remaining elections in 2020 with pandemic precautions in mind.
In Davidson County, Election Administrator Jeff Roberts has been preparing for multiple scenarios. He's ordered enough absentee ballots to cover the amount he thinks the public will request but expects to get more now that a judge ruled to allow all voters to mail in their ballots.
Also, they've found a way to allow voters to use ballot computers without touching the screen. Roberts said coffee stirrers were a cheap way to allow each person to vote without spreading germs while in the booths.
“The machine is not contaminated," said Roberts "You’re not touching the machine and this is disposable. You’ll drop [the stirrer] into a container when you leave the precinct.”
Roberts said all of the poll workers will be wearing PPE similar to the gear volunteer COVID-19 testers wear at sights across the city.
“We want the voter to feel comfortable whether or not they’re choosing to vote absentee, early or on Election Day,” he said.
For absentee voting, voters can find registration for mail-in ballots on the Tennessee Secretary of State website. That form is completed and sent in to the election commission, which sends out the mail-in ballot.
