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Early Voting Begins in W.Va. With Enhanced Safety Measures

WHEELING — Poll Workers across West Virginia are checking voters for identification, asking them, “Who is that masked voter?”

Identification and masks are mandatory as early voting started in West Virginia courthouses Wednesday morning amid coronavirus concerns.

Social distancing guidelines are being enforced at voting locations, as markings six feet apart have been placed on the floor outside the polls to keep waiting voters inside.

In Ohio County, poll worker Bill Fuller stood outside the voting location on the first floor at the City-County Building, making certain no more than four voters entered the room at a time. There were four voters waiting to go inside when the doors opened at 9 a.m.

The voters were handed one vinyl glove initially to use on the touchscreen voting machines, and a box of Q-Tips also sat on the poll workers table for those who wanted one.

Within just a few minutes, however, it became evident voters were using both hands while at the polls. Toni Chieffalo, coordinator of elections in Ohio County, directed Fuller to provide each voter two gloves.

Among the first voters was Wheeling Island resident Christina Amie, who said voting in-person was important to her and she was willing to wear a mask to cast her ballot. She arrived about a half-hour before the polls opened, and sat contemplating her voting decisions.

“I know who I want to vote for — all except for the governor’s race,” she said.

While more than 6,000 voters already have voted by mail in Ohio County, Amie termed the vote-by-mail process “stupid.” She has concerns about the security of the mailed-in ballot, and the validity of sending absentee ballot applications to all registered West Virginia voters. Some of the voters on the roles receiving the applications may have died or moved from the area, she said.

“Anybody can fill these out, and who is checking on it?” Amie asked. “If you live in a state where there still is in-person voting, do it.”

Karen Yakubow and her husband had errands to run at the City-County Building, and opted to vote while they were there. They accepted the fact they must wear a mask to enter the building.

“It’s a little inconvenient, but it is what it is — a little inconvenience,” she said.

Rick Armstong said he wanted to early vote and “have it over with.” He also was accepting of the face mask requirement.

“It’s a good thing,” he said. “These days you have to be precautious. It’s a good thing to do, anyway.”

Polls are open during regular office hours on weekdays, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays through June 6. There is no voting on Sundays. Election Day is June 9.

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