We asked our readers what they thought about voting in person on Election Day. More than 540 people responded. These are the results, with additional context from health officials about how dangerous it is to vote in person. According to a report from the Democracy Initiative, Mississippi is the only state that does not offer citizens the option to vote early instead of going to crowded precincts during the COVID-19 epidemic. According to the secretary-of-state’s office, people with symptoms of the virus may vote curbside. 59% of the 543 people surveyed said that they won’t feel safe voting in person on Election Day. Most of those who answered that they would feel safe voting in person on Election Day stated that it was because they intend to continue social distancing and masking. However, 97% of respondents stated that they wouldn’t be stopping them from voting. Many Mississippians have voted absentee. Mississippians are continuing to vote absentee at record levels, with over 169,000 ballots requested compared to just 111,000 in 2016. Gov. Tate Reeves added seven more counties to his mask-wearing list Monday. This brings the total to 16 counties. He reinstated the mandate after COVID-19 cases increased. Reeves stated that mask wearing would not be required for voting in November 3rd’s election. This is even though he feels it would be an unconstitutional restriction. 93% of respondents indicated that they planned to continue wearing a mask to the polling station. This information was first published by Erica Hensley, Mississippi Today Public Health Reporter. You can read the entire story here. Numerous public health officials say that voting in person is safe, but there are some risks. Experts compare the risk to grocery shopping, which is a tight, crowded space with limited airflow. However, their assessment includes widespread masking. To better protect voters, some polling stations are being pressured to move their booths outside. A poorly ventilated, enclosed space can lead to COVID-19 spreading. The more people in a space, the easier it is for the virus to spread. These are the spaces that many polling stations across the state are. Risks are increased by waiting in long lines and failing to communicate with others. READ MORE: Mississippi voters are concerned about COVID-19, and wonder if it is safe to vote in person on Election Day. What else do you need to know regarding voting in Mississippi? See our answers to common questions from readers.