In an effort to improve safety for voters and poll workers in response to the coronavirus, the City of Burlington on Tuesday will offer drive-through voting at the Public Works Department on South Pine Street.
The drive-through operation will be the only option for voters from all of the city’s aldermanic districts, meaning the usual polling places at Cross Lutheran Church and Burlington United Methodist Church will not be open.
The drive-through method will minimize human interaction by allowing voters to remain in their cars during the entire process, according to city officials. However, officials warned voters to expect sometimes significant wait times.
The staging process, according the City Administrator Carina Walters will be similar to the one used each spring during the Clean Sweep program for drop off of household waste.
Walters issued the emergency declaration Wednesday afternoon under the authorization of Mayor Jeannie Hefty following guidelines for drive-through voting set forth by the Wisconsin Elections Commission in a March 29 memo to municipal clerks.
“We understand this change can be disruptive, however, we will strive to provide the best customer service possible under these trying circumstances,” Walters said in a news release issued by the city late Wednesday. “Election workers can only assist one voter at a time. Please expect wait times. The City of Burlington appreciates your patience and understanding while we maintain the integrity and right to vote.”
City officials provided the following description of the procedure, which will take place during normal poll hours from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday:
- The voting driver will enter at the Wastewater Treatment Plant entrance at 2100 S. Pine Street and will remain in their car at all times. A poll worker will approach the vehicle. All poll workers will be wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.
- Upon entering the Department of Public Works garage, drivers will to merge into the lanes for their respective Wards (Wards 1-4 or Wards 5-8). To check a ward ahead of time, visit www.myvote.wi.gov. An election worker will be there to assist.
- Voters will move forward in their cars through the line as instructed by an election worker to their polling location where the election process will begin.
- The voters will be asked to state their name, address and show an acceptable photo identification.
- The inspectors shall determine if the voter is in the poll book and is eligible to receive a ballot.
- For those who are not registered, an election inspector will assist them with the registration process while in the same line. Non-registered voters must have appropriate proof of residence with them.
- All voters must sign a label to be entered into the poll book prior to receiving a ballot. Voters will receive a pen to sign and complete the ballot.
- Once voters have completed a ballot they will be assisted by an election inspector who will confidentially place the ballot in the tabulation equipment.
- Voters will then exit the DPW garage.
Accommodations will be made for those who are disabled or have other accessibility needs, city officials said.
Fluid situation
State, county and municipal election officials have been swamped with questions the past several weeks while urging as many voters as possible to register and vote via absentee ballot. Friday is the last day for in-person absentee voting.
Meanwhile, the City of Green Bay on March 25 filed a federal lawsuit against the Gov. Tony Evers administration and the Wisconsin Elections Commission seeking to delay the election and transition to one done entirely by mail.
A judge has since ruled that the city does not have legal grounds to sue, however, several other lawsuits had been filed and could impact the way the election is conducted.
Voters are advised to check back here for updates prior to the election or call their municipal clerk’s office for the latest information.
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