The current status of the national COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns about the economic impact and the risks to public health. Further, the situation is occurring in the context of the national election season. The good news is that we already have a system that can help alleviate a lot of concerns voters may have about going to the polls: vote-by-mail.
Florida is a “no excuse required” state concerning registering for a vote-by-mail, or absentee, ballot. Currently, around 30 percent of our state’s registered voters are enrolled in the VBM, and that number is growing every election. Given the uncertainty of the pandemic’s impact this fall, being registered for VBM is the safest way to participate in the 2020 election. And it is highly effective. It is insurance your vote will be counted.
COVID-19’s new and unique pathology and means of transmission are not yet fully understood. But we do know that shelter-at-home programs, social distancing, personal hygiene and masks are known and effective means of reducing the spread of this virus.
To ensure the safety of our community, our poll workers, and our democracy, I encourage all eligible citizens to sign up for a vote-by-mail today. Contact the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections at 813-744-5900 for more information or, better yet, register for VBM at votehillsborough.org.
C.L. Townsend, Jr. RPh.
Candidate for FL HD 58