New York City will open 88 polling sites ahead of the 2020 presidential election, including at more than two dozen daycare centers and public schools with classes in session, angering city officials, reports the New York Post.
The sites will be open from Oct. 24 to Nov. 1.
New York City Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza and Department of Youth and Community Development Commissioner Bill Chong, citing safety concerns, asked the New York City Board of Elections last month to find alternative sites, calling their plan "unacceptable and not operationally feasible."
"The Administration and Department of Education have been very clear that continuing to use schools as early voting sites while school is in session is not realistic moving forward," the pair wrote in a Sept. 11 letter.
"It is even more critical this fall when we are tasked with ensuring that social distancing is maintained during in-school learning and that our schools are safe for students and staff."
BOE Executive Director Mike Ryan responded that separate entrances minimize interaction with students and staff.
The BOE will require that voters wear masks at all polling sites. Additionally, plexiglass will be installed where voters sign in and stylus pens will be given to voters to sign in and mark ballots. Social distancing will also be enforced.
Solange Reyner ✉
Solange Reyner is a writer and editor for Newsmax. She has more than 15 years in the journalism industry reporting and covering news, sports and politics.
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