March 17 Primary Election to continue as scheduled

March 17 Primary Election to continue as scheduled
County officials taking extra precautions to provide clean, safe voting experience

[Tiffin, OH – March 13, 2020] — The March 17 Presidential Primary Election is to continue as scheduled, as local officials work to create the safest environment possible for voters and election workers.
Polls will open Tuesday at 6:30 a.m. and will remain open until 7:30 p.m., as scheduled.
Due to the global outbreak of COVID-19 (coronavirus) cases, preventative measures and precautions are being taken by election officials to ensure voters may still safely exercise their right to vote
Seneca County Board of Elections Director Jim Ehrman said extra precautions have been and continue to be taken to provide a clean and safe environment at polling locations on election day.
“We have been following preparation recommendations from the Secretary of State and the Center for Disease Control for the past few weeks,” he said.
For those that are concerned about visiting polling locations, early voting is available at the board of elections office, 71 S. Washington St., until 7 p.m. today. Early voting also is to be available from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday and 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday.
Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton said it is safe for poll workers to work the election.
“I really encourage you to come and do your part, the secretary of state has taken extraordinary measures to protect your safety,” Acton said in a video about the matter.
On March 12, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine issued an executive order banning the gathering of more than 100 individuals in one location to attempt to stop the communal spread of COVID-19.
Acton said voting at a polling location is a different situation than large mass gatherings.
“If you’re about an arm’s length away, if you’re feeling healthy that day and you’re washing your hands … these routine measures have been proven to prevent the spread of disease,” she said. “Mass gatherings are a little different, (you are) very close and compact for a long period of time.”
LaRose said voters and poll workers should use facts, not fear.
“This is not a time for irrational fears, as you’re hearing, our public health professionals are telling you, for a healthy person, it’s safe to work the polls on election day,” he said. “We need you on Tuesday to make sure that your fellow Ohioans are able to make their voice heard. It will be safe to work the polls.”
If you have further questions, please contact the board of elections office, (419) 447-4424.