Election Commission Plans for August

The Putnam County Election Commission will prepare to hold an election in the time of COVID-19 and social distancing.

The commission discussed possible preparations at its Wednesday meeting. Election Administrator Michele Honeycutt said the planning will ensure the health of voters even if conditions change by August.

“We have been on conference calls with the state going over a lot of the issues,” Honeycutt said. “We’re getting masks, hand sanitizer, and stuff like that, and changing some of the procedures. Nothing’s been set yet. We’re still discussing everything. Of course, they do believe there may be an increase by mail, absentee requests.”

Election Day set for August 6th. The commission approved voting hours of 9am-7pm. Early voting will be held July 17-August 1.

Currently 28 states have “no excuse” absentee balloting, allowing all voters the chance to cast ballots by mail. Five states mail ballots to all eligible voters. Honeycutt said this year’s process will stay the same due to state law.

“Right now, they are saying we have to do early voting and election because that’s the way the state is set up,” Honeycutt said. “Are they ever going to change it to be all by mail? I’m not sure. I’ve not heard them discuss it.”

Early voting will take place on Monday through Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.