JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville voting precincts are down hundreds of volunteers because of coronavirus concerns.
On any election day Mary Mills said she’s at the polls. She told Action News Jax, “It’s a great honor to be able to vote and make your vote count.”
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Mills explained she has been volunteering as a Florida poll worker for seven years. She said COVID-19 couldn’t keep her away from her civic duty. “I love how we’re persevering through it all. The protocol for safety is stellar,” the volunteer explained.
Mills is one of 1,200 in Jacksonville who freely offered up their time to help with Tuesday’s primary.
According to Duval County Supervisor of Elections Mike Hogan, volunteers are sanitizing booths in between each voter and wearing face masks with shields.
PRIMARY ELECTION DAY | Polls open in less than an hour 🇺🇸
— Beth Rousseau (@BethANJax) August 18, 2020
➡️95,000+ Duval voters have already cast their ballots
➡️An additional 90,000 expected to vote in-person
➡️#COVID19 safety measures in place at polling locationshttps://t.co/MSlTWIEboi
Despite the added safety measures, Hogan said, they’ve had approximately 200 workers back out because they fall in the high risk age range for coronavirus.
He said they’re down from 120 reserves in March to just 30. “Everyone has to make their own decisions about, you know, what they feel secure with,” Mills said.
Voters told Action News Jax they appreciate the sacrifice.
Raymond Bell said, “They’re taking a little bit of a risk. They’re elderly, and they’re doing a valuable service for the citizens of Jacksonville.”
Mills’ said she wouldn’t miss it.
“It’s a civic duty to participate in the elections,” she explained.
Cox Media Group
