Voting precincts should be approved by health officials, Sen. Kyle says
MEMPHIS — Health officials should play a key role in designing and approving voting sites in Shelby County to protect voters from coronavirus in upcoming elections, according to Sen. Sara Kyle (D-Memphis).
“If voters do not feel confident their health is being protected, they may stay home — and that would be a horrible affront to our democracy and constitutional rights,” Sen. Kyle said. “Shelby County voters who vote early or on Election Day deserve to know that every polling location and layout was reviewed and approved by a medical expert to ensure the best health outcomes.”
Sen. Kyle says health officials, who know how to reduce transmission of the virus, could help ensure voters are safeguarded from other potential Covid-19 carriers that are also casting votes in this year’s elections. Health experts could also advise election commissions how to setup polling precincts to promote social distance — and protect their right to vote.
It’s not a perfect solution, according to Sen. Kyle, but state law currently prohibits voting by mail for most Tennesseans. Senate Democrats recently sent a letter to Gov. Bill Lee and Secretary of State Tre Hargett, encouraging them to expand remote voting options like voting by mail under executive order.
That hasn’t happened yet — and may not. Meanwhile election officials nationwide are predicting a sizable turnout for the presidential election.
“At this point, it appears there will be large numbers of Shelby County voters who are forced to vote in person because the majority party won’t approve mail-in ballots,” Sen. Kyle said. “If that’s the case, we must find local ways to protect the health of voters and the health of our democracy.”
Read more: Democrats urge Gov. Lee, election officials to make voter health a priority
