DOUGLAS COUNTY, Neb. — Douglas County officials assure that in the midst of Coronavirus, the May 12th primaries will continue on as planned, but with some minor changes.
"There have been some changes to the upcoming election that's going to happen May 12. But the important thing to remember is the election is going to happen," Douglas County election commissioner Brian Kruse said.
Polling will not take place in areas like retirement communities to protect the most vulnerable. Instead, a lot of poling will be done in schools since all classes are out. Older poll workers are also asked to sit this year out for their own safety.
"We are calling for poll workers. For younger, healthier poll workers," Kruse said.
This year mail-in ballots are the safest way to go.
"This is the number one thing that voters can do to keep our poll workers and keep themselves safe, and to do social distancing. Vote by mail," Kruse added.
So far, residents have been answering the call. There are about 355,000 registered voters in Omaha, already over 100,000 have requested a mail-in ballot. This keeps the community protected from further spreading of the virus.
"Whatever we can do to stay at home, not have to go to a polling place, that would be preferable," Douglas County Health Director Dr. Adi Pour said.
Regardless, there will still be some polling places open that will follow social distancing guidelines for those unable to vote by mail.
"We want to give everybody the option that they can and not try to suppress any individual or any groups of individuals. So those polls will be open," Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert said.
May 1st at 6pm is the last day to request a ballot be mailed to you.
