Stay Safe and Healthy This Election Day

Justin Young, M.D.
Carbon Health
Published in
3 min readOct 6, 2020

Our top tips on staying safe while doing your civic duty.

What are you doing Tuesday, November 3rd? Voting, right?! At Carbon Health we’re dedicated to caring for our communities and public health is a top priority. Whether you’re mailing in your ballot ahead of time or voting in-person at the polls, follow these tips to stay safe while doing your civic duty.

Your Pre-Election Day Checklist:

  • Register to vote, ensuring you meet your state’s deadline for registration.
  • Plan ahead. It’s critical to know if the virus is spreading in your local area when you’re about to go to the polls.
  • Stay safe!

Voting by Mail is the Safest Way to Go

Mail-in voting is the safest way to avoid long lines and minimize potential exposure to COVID-19.

  • Apply for a mail-in ballot ASAP. (In California they are already mailed to you).
  • Drop your ballot in the mail as early as possible. Check your state’s deadlines for mail-in ballots on vote.org.
  • Make sure your signature matches your driver’s license, or your signature on file with state records.
  • Worried about mail delays? Drop your ballot off at a designated polling place on election day.

Don’t Forget!

Forgetting these simple things could get your mail-in or absentee ballot disqualified. Be sure to double check before you put your ballot in the mail.

  • Using the wrong pen color. Be sure you only write in your responses in BLACK or BLUE ink.
  • Not signing your envelope can lead to a disqualification.
  • Not including all the required documents. Check and double-check to make sure you got everything!
  • Sending it in too late. Don’t procrastinate on getting your ballot in the mailbox ASAP!

Voting Safely at the Polls

If you’re going to vote in person Election Day, plan ahead and come prepared so everyone stays safe.

  • Plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time.
  • Maintain social distance and follow signs and directions while waiting in line.
  • Wear your mask at all times and bring hand sanitizer.

Think About Volunteering

COVID-19 is making it harder for vulnerable populations like the elderly to get out and volunteer at the polls this year. If you are in good health, consider volunteering as a poll worker this year. They need your help!

Voting impacts all of us…and our health!

Liked what you read? Learn more by downloading the Carbon Health app or visiting carbonhealth.com.

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Justin Young, M.D.
Carbon Health

Doctor. Carbon Health. Writer, adventurer, explorer, aspiring filmmaker…aspiring to be a better person, one day, one patient, one joyful moment at a time.