Amid a national pandemic, the state will hold its primary election Tuesday.
Polls will be open from 7am to 8pm. But anyone in line to vote at 8pm will be allowed to cast their ballot, says Midland County Chief Deputy Clerk John Keefer.
“So 8 p.m. doesn’t mean the machine gets shut off, if you’re in line to vote, you’re still allowed to vote,” Keefer said.
He said safety has been at the forefront for Midland County.
“Every polling station in Midland County has been issued five sets of face shields, 100 facemasks, 100 sets of gloves, a gallon of hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes.”
Keefer said social distancing is required at polls, however, masks are a different story.
“The governor put out that we can’t absolutely require masks, but we are still going to put a sign up saying that we require masks, but at the same time we can’t turn any voter away if they refuse to or if they’re medically unable to.”
He said the county typically sees close to around a 60 percent turnout during presidential elections, but this year they are expecting closer to a 40 to 50 percent turnout.
With the number of absentee ballots seeing an increase this year, results may be delayed, but Keefer said they should have votes counted before the sun comes up.
Anyone who requested an absentee ballot but hasn't returned it yet, should turn it in directly to their local clerk before 8pm Monday.
