Ohio Just Postponed Its Primary Election Because Of COVID-19

Election day in Ohio will have to wait — for now.


The state's primary election has been postponed from its scheduled date of Tuesday (March 17) in a task to protect residents from the threat of COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus, which is a droplet vector virus and is rather contagious. Experts have advised that people practice social distancing while the virus continues its spread, however doing so — and sustaining at least 6 feet's distance from another person — can be almost impossible at polling places.


because the Columbus Dispatch reports, the decision to postpone the state's election came soon after a candidate, and later the state itself, filed petitions to delay. The Ohio State Supreme Court delayed the initial petition, made by a normal pleas judge candidate in Woods County, per Cleveland 19. Another judge blocked Republican Governor Mike DeWine's request to delay the election, but Ohio Health Director Dr. Amy Acton stepped in at the last minute, citing a health emergency.


“To conduct an election at this time would force poll workers and voters to face a unacceptable risk of contracting COVID-19," she mentioned in her sort, per the Dispatch. She mentioned the delay was required sort in attempt to avoid the imminent threat with a high probability of widespread exposure to COVID-19 with a significant risk of substantial damage to an enormous assortment of the people in the general population, including the elderly and people with weakened immune systems and chronic medical conditions.”


Three other states — Georgia, Kentucky, and Louisiana — have also delayed their upcoming statewide elections, per the New York Times. 


Elections in Arizona, Florida, and Illinois are still scheduled to count ballots today, yet the seams are already showing. One poll worker in Illinois's 44th ward, 33rd precinct, put together a thread to exhibit the lack of safety measures offered to poll workers, plus a lack of voting materials.


In Arizona, a judge blocked a group to mail ballots to all residents, the Associated Press announced. Maricopa County also closed 78 polling places right after residents expressed fear that weak people could be put at risk.


You will help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Not each person has the alternative to reside at residence, however in the event could, you've got to! Social distancing is the new usual, and we’re here to help.