Elections Guide for Older Adults: How to Stay Safe While Voting

The 2022 elections are fast approaching. Although it’s not a presidential election year, it’s still important that you make your voice heard. All seats in the U.S. House of Representatives are up for election this November. Voters will also choose 34 U.S. senators, 36 governors, and many other elected officials in 2022. 

Luckily, we are in a different place with COVID than we were during the 2020 elections; but it’s still important to consider how you can vote safely this year.

If you’re at risk for contracting or experiencing severe illness with COVID-19, it’s especially important to know your options and how to vote in a healthy and safe way.

NCOA is lifting up the important work of the Healthy People Healthy Democracy Initiative to ensure all older adults have a safe and well-informed voting experience as Election Day approaches. The website HealthyVoting.org includes state-by-state guides created by public health and elections experts. The guides will keep you updated through Election Day as deadlines come and go for mail, early, and Election Day voting. The site also is available in Spanish.

Here are some things to think about as you make your voting plans.

Voting by mail

The majority of Americans can request a ballot to vote by mail for any reason. From a public health perspective, voting absentee or by mail is a straightforward way to avoid contracting or spreading COVID-19. While you still might need to visit a ballot drop box or voting center to deliver your ballot, mail voting minimizes contact with other people and helps election administrators reduce crowding at voting sites.

Visit Can I Vote to find the rules for requesting a ballot by mail in your state.

Voting in-person at the polls

Many voters still prefer to cast their ballots in person, rely on language assistance, or need in-person voting assistance because of a disability. Early in-person voting and voting in-person on Election Day will remain popular options this year. Early voting is usually less crowded. As with mail voting, if more people vote early, we can help reduce crowds on Election Day, which can protect other voters and election workers.

If you need to find out your assigned polling place, visit Can I Vote.

COVID-19 precautions for in-person voting

Voters should follow instructions from their local health departments when heading out to drop off their ballot or check in at a polling location. Also, remember to follow the best practices public health officials have identified as ways to help reduce the spread of COVID-19: practice physical distancing, wash hands with soap or use hand sanitizer; and wear a mask, if recommended.