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Tracy Overstreet <br /> From: David Plond <David.Plond@scouting.org> <br /> Sent: Sunday, March 29, 2020 6:19 PM <br /> To: Tracy Overstreet <br /> Subject: 2020 Hall County Primary Elections <br /> Tracy <br /> I am writing to voice my concerns about the Nebraska 2020 Primary Elections slated to be held May 12th. The recent <br /> COVID-19 virus has caused me to question the safety of our voters and poll workers during the upcoming primary. <br /> Particularly those in Hall County. As you know,we recently had community spread and a declaration for the Governor <br /> to not have groups of more than 10 until May 6th. That date is based on current data which I am sure will change as <br /> more test are done on local residents. <br /> I would suggest that we be given an exemption by the state to conduct a mail campaign only or have the state delay the <br /> elections until June. I doubt the state is willing to delay but if they want regular voting with polling places, as in the past <br /> that may be the best option. <br /> Items of note to consider. <br /> 1. %of our poll workers like my wife and I are in that age range where we are highly susceptible to the virus. We <br /> have elected to resign that if the current procedure is allowed to take place. We don't want to risk our families to this <br /> virus. The argument to this is that you can find over 100 more younger workers. That is unrealistic. Don't you think if <br /> we could recruit them we would have by now. Also young people are also very concerned about the virus and don't <br /> want to be exposed and expose their family members to this deadly virus. <br /> 2. Locations of Polling places. Most of the polling places have been closed to the public to help combat the virus. <br /> Just today President Trump extended the stay at home suggestion until April 30th. Forcing the churches, schools and <br /> other organizations to open their doors while they have been on lock down, will create unnecessary burdens on them. It <br /> will also cause them to spend more funds to disinfect the buildings once the election is over. I fear the burden placed on <br /> these organizations and facilities will cause them to rethink whether they will continue to be a polling place in the <br /> future. Keep in mind you are exposing their employees also. <br /> 3. Average voter age and fear of going to the polls. As you know the average age of the voter is above 40 and it <br /> tends to be a higher percentage in the 50 and over group. Those people are most at risk of this virus. Why expose <br /> them. We want all our citizens to vote and we should take adequate precautions to insure the safety of our voters. <br /> Estimates given today is the 100,00-200,000 will die from this. I know that may be small because it is a nation wide <br /> number but we already have one death in Hall County. <br /> 1 <br />