As counties look to consolidate polling places, advocates worry about voter disenfranchisement – By Ivey DeJesus (Pennlive) / April 28 2020
Elections officials across the state are bracing for a walk-out of sorts. Not technically a walk-out but a no-show.
With the current coronavirus pandemic still ratcheting up the count of positive cases and deaths across Pennsylvania, election officials are worried that poll workers – all of whom are volunteers – are thinking twice about working on June 2, the newly designated primary date.
The prospect is pushing up against the idea of further consolidating polling places.
The underlying reason: Poll workers tend to be older individuals – typically retired – and as such, they belong to one of the most COVID-19 vulnerable demographics.
Election officials are concerned that with the lethal virus still a threat, poll workers will decide to stay home on election day rather than risk exposure to the deadly virus.
“I‘m in touch with inspectors and judges to see what their comfort level is and I can tell you right now today I‘m going to be missing 30 percent of poll workers,” said Jerry Feaser, director of the Dauphin County Office of Elections and Voter Registration.
“That varies from poll workers not willing to serve given the conditions to precincts where maybe a handful of poll workers would be missing.”
Continue to article: https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/04/as-counties-look-to-consolidate-polling-places-advocates-worry-about-voter-disenfranchisement.html
