Chicago poll workers won’t be able to enforce mask usage
In this Nov. 8, 2016, file photo, residents of Chicago’ 33rd Ward mark their ballots at Marie’s Golden Cue pool hall. An embarrassing mistake in Illinois’ automatic voter registration system could mean deportation, criminal charges or both for a handful of people who cast recent ballots.
Poll workers will not be able to enforce mask usage, according to Frank Herrera of the Cook County Clerk’s communications office.
“We cannot turn a voter away who refuses to wear one. If that occurs, the voter would be redirected by the Election Judge to a voting location that is far away from other voters” said Herrera.
Many polling places are indoors, and poll workers will provided with PPE supplies.
“All polling places will be appropriately socially distanced and all Election Judges will be provided with full PPE supplies including face shields, masks, gloves and sanitizer,” Herrera said. “Frequent sanitization of touch surfaces and voting equipment will be conducted, including in between each voter, and masks and sanitizer will also be provided for voters. ”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
