State Officials Don’t Expect In-Person Voting to Cause a Spike in COVID-19 Cases

State officials say they don’t expect in-person voting to lead to a spike in COVID-19 cases. Several counties reported a large voter turnout, and many places had long lines, especially during early voting.

But during his COVID-19 press conference Wednesday, Governor Eric Holcomb said he thought Indiana showed how it could be done. “It was safe to vote during the primary,” Holcomb said. “It was safe to vote, ultimately, yesterday, but for the month leading up to it, too. It was more like Election Monday. And we proved that we could do it safely. I don’t know of any cases yet that have been traced back.”

The option to vote by mail was not extended to all registered voters in the General Election, as it was in the primary.

State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box said she was happy with the coronavirus precautions at her polling place and noted the increase in younger poll workers to help protect those at a higher risk. Box said upcoming Thanksgiving gatherings are her bigger concern.

Governor Holcomb thanked everyone who voted – whether for him or not – along all of the poll workers.