Election Contingency Planning During the Coronavirus Pandemic

COVID-19 is officially a global pandemic. As of March 18, the virus had already infected more than 205,400 people globally and claimed more than 8,200 lives. The virus is spreading quickly—and with no viable vaccine, government officials are taking various precautions, including restricting travel, to stem further outbreaks.

To avoid the risk of infection, health officials in part recommend avoiding situations involving large crowds to reduce the chances of coming into contact with someone who may have COVID-19 and staying home if you are sickexcept to seek medical care. Major sporting and cultural events have been cancelled or postponed worldwide; the NBA suspended its season after a player tested positive for coronavirus, and the International Olympic Committee has reportedly discussed holding the 2020 Summer Olympic Games without spectators. In the United States, many employers are telling workers to stay home, and religious institutions and schools are closing their doors in an effort to contain the disease.

Precautions such as these are necessary to avoid community spread. At the same time, quarantines, the shuttering of community spaces, and other actions to contain the spread of a potentially deadly illness introduce complications in administering elections, threatening Americans’ ability to vote. Continue reading.