Mississippi to provide PPE for election day

The Secretary of State’s Office (SOS) will provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to all counties in the state for voters to use on election night.

Masks on hand on election night for voters.

I spoke with the itawamaba circuit clerk in itawamaba who said they will have way more than just masks for voters to feel safe at the polls.

Clerk ) "between the county and the state, we feel like we can offer safe elections at the polls."

Although coronavirus cases continue to rise in the state, people don't have to wear masks at the polls in some counties.

But according to itawamba ciruit clerk carol gates, workers will have masks for voters.

"they are going to allow the voters to ask for one if they want one."

But the precintcs will also give out other supplies as well.

"we have face masks, we have wipes, we have gloves, and hand sanitizer."

((stand up)) to keep surface touching to a minimum the secretary of state office also provided these pins which voters will use to vote on voting machines.

"so much touching and maybe not any sanitizing between the touching, that prevents that from happening."

Gates says the election committee will deliver ppe to all itawamba county voting precincts before election night.

"election commissioners plan to meet next week to divide it out for their districts and their precincts."

Gates says polling staff will set out waste baskets so voters can properly dispose of their masks and gloves.

However, she says voters are also welcome to take them home.