Primary elections: Everything you need to know about the US votes taking place today
Voting will look different due to coronavirus, George Floyd protests
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Your support makes all the difference.This week, nine states, the Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia will hold primary elections as part of the 2020 election. All of the elections will take place today, except the Virgin Islands’ primary caucus, which will take place on 6 June.
With the coronavirus pandemic uprooting life in the US in the middle of primary season, states have been tasked with determining how – or if – they’ll hold their elections as scheduled. In some cases, like Ohio, the primary was delayed. New York attempted to cancel its Democratic primaries, though it was eventually forced to hold them after a judge ruled the state must hold the election.
So, how will the coronavirus affect the primaries? Let’s take a look.
Originally the primary was to be held on 28 April, but was moved back to 2 June. That date has again been changed, and Connecticut voters will now vote on 11 August. The state’s governor signed an executive order allowing voters in the state to cast mail-in votes as well.
District of Columbia
DC will hold its election on 2 June as planned. District officials are encouraging voters to ask for absentee ballots and vote by mail, though the deadline to request a ballot was 26 May. For those who aren’t voting absentee, DC opened 20 polling locations throughout the city on 22 May for early voting. On 2 June, DC will continue to operate those 20 centres – down from the normal 144 it usually runs – and voters will have to vote in person. Due to the George Floyd protests, Mayor Muriel Bowser has enacted a 7 p.m. curfew for the city, though she said voters are exempt from the curfew. The polls close at 8 p.m. in the district.
Voting will still take place in Maryland’s statewide primary today. Officials are encouraging voters to vote by mail using absentee ballots, which must be in the mail no later than primary day.
Delaware has moved its primary to 7 July. The state will send all eligible voters an absentee ballot request by mail and is encouraging its voters to use the vote-by-mail method.
Though Iowa already held its infamous presidential primary caucus, several state-wide positions – including an important race for the US Senate – are up for grabs in the state’s primary election. Iowa’s governor is encouraging voters to use absentee ballots and vote by mail, but in person voting will be available, though fewer voting locations will be open than in previous years as a way to protect poll staff and ensure social distancing.
Indiana’s primary was originally scheduled for 5 May, but was pushed back to 2 June. The state will be operating fewer in person voting places and – as with most other states – is encouraging mail in voting via absentee ballots. Early, in-person voting began in Indiana last Tuesday.
The state had to extend its absentee ballot request deadline to 26 May due to website problems that prevented voters from requesting their ballot. The deadline to turn in their ballots is still today. Though the state will hold an all-absentee vote, only individuals who’ve requested ballots will receive one, and the date to request a ballot has already passed.
Montana moved to an all mail-in voting primary. All ballots must be turned in today. Ballots postmarked by 2 June will still be counted so long as they arrive at election locations by the following Monday.
Pennsylvania delayed its primary from 28 April to 2 June, and the election is still scheduled to occur today. The deadline for requesting an absentee ballot has passed, but voters who are not going to vote by mail will still have the option of voting in person. Voters in some areas will be voting in new locations as some polling locations have closed due to coronavirus concerns – specifically those in or near elderly living locations.
The New Mexico primary will be held as scheduled today. The state’s Supreme Court ruled that in-person polling locations must remain open, but state officials are encouraging voters to send in absentee ballots to limit potential exposure to the virus on election day. In-person voting will be subject to the state’s public health standards regarding coronavirus, so voters will be expected to social distance while waiting in line, and only four voters will be allowed in polling locations at a time.
Rhode Island will still hold its primary on today. As in other states, voters are encouraged to vote by mail if possible. For those going to the polls in person, the state is operating 47 polling centres and voters are “highly encouraged” but not required to wear face masks. Each of the 47 locations was given 100 masks to pass out to voters who request one. Voters choosing to vote in-person are required to maintain social distancing measures while waiting to vote.
Voting in South Dakota will still take place today. Everyone – especially seniors – are encouraged to vote by mail if possible. The state has sent out absentee ballot request applications to all eligible voters. The deadline to request a ballot was1 June. In-person voting will still be conducted in the state.
Virgin Islands
The US Virgin Islands‘ Democratic caucus will take place on 6 June, and the islands’ Democratic party is using a drive-thru voting system to try to limit exposure on primary day. Voting will take place at the party’s headquarters on St. John in Cruz Bay.
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