/Mississippi will not mandate masks at the polls ahead of Nov 3 election

Mississippi will not mandate masks at the polls ahead of Nov 3 election

Dr. Claude Earl Fox III, a Mississippian and former Alabama head of public health, said that “this is absolute madness.” Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson said that masks cannot be required at the November elections because it is a federal election. Kendra James, Assistant Secretary of State, explained that although their office recommends wearing masks for voting, the governor and no other entity can impose any requirements. Some governors have stepped in to enforce the requirements. Minnesota’s governor required voters to wear masks when they went to the polling stations. Some groups challenged the mandate, claiming that the wearing of a mask violates First Amendment rights. However, a federal judge rejected the challenge and said, “There is no doubt that Minnesota has constitutional authority to enact measures that protect the safety and health of its citizens.” ABC News reached out to all 50 states to inquire about mask requirements for Election Day. 33 of the 39 states that responded said they would require or strongly recommend masks. Seven of the 39 who didn’t reply have a mandate for masks. Mississippi state Rep. Jeramey (D-Escatawpa) introduced a bill to require all voters to wear masks in and around polling stations, but it failed to pass. Anderson stated that voters who don’t wear masks may put their health at risk during the next presidential election and subsequent elections. Hinds County will require voters to wear masks on Election Day. Zack Wallace, Hinds County Circuit Clerk, stated that masks will be provided to those who do not have them. “We don’t want to turn anybody down for voting.” Wallace stated that people can’t be denied the right of vote. However, masks must be worn by voters as a matter public health and safety. Wallace stated that failing to do so is “not taking care of people.” Gov. Tate Reeves established a mandate to all citizens for wearing a mask. He became the first governor in history to repeal that mandate last week. His Sept. 30 order states that “public and private social gatherings or recreational activities shall not exceed 20 persons in one indoor space” and that no more than 100 people can be accommodated in an outdoor space where people from different households are within close proximity (less 6 feet) of each other. This restriction was not applied to voting precincts. Parker Briden, a spokesman, said Tuesday that Reeves encourages the use of masks and that Mississippians should vote with one. Watson also stated that his office will deliver more than $500,000 in COVID-19 safety supplies to circuit clerks throughout the state. These measures ensure that polling places are safe for both staff and the public. Some poll workers aren’t convinced. Ardell Hinton (65-year-old Ridgeland retiree) was excited to start training to be a poll worker. But when she learned that Mississippi officials wouldn’t require voters to wear masks she decided to quit. She said, “I don’t want to sit there for 10-12 hours and risk my own life for that.” Hinton stated, “That’s why i backed out.” Hinton also said that it makes no sense for masks to be required. It’s the attitude that some people have of saying, “You can’t tell my what to do.” What happened to the idea that we could all sacrifice for one another? “We’ve lost too many people,” said health officials. “No matter what activity is being done, it is important to take all steps possible to reduce the risk of a virus being transmitted between people, especially indoors,” Dr. LouAnn Woodward (Vice-Chancellor for Health Affairs at the University of Mississippi Medical Center) said. As more information is available about the coronavirus strain, health officials continue to advise that people wear a mask and keep surfaces clean. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now state that there is evidence that COVID-19-infected people may have spread to others within 6 feet of them. Fox, who was the Alabama head of public health, stated that masks are a must, given Mississippi’s high rate for high-risk COVID-19 factors like obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and hypertension. Fox stated that this is a very deadly disease and it can strike anyone. He said that while some people will not be affected by the disease, others will. “We get vaccinations not only to protect ourselves but also to protect others. “You shouldn’t be able to endanger other people’s lives.”_x000D