Madison County officials urge state to postpone run-off election
MADISON COUNTY – Madison officials are siding with Secretary of State John Merrill in saying that the primary run-off election scheduled for March 31 should be postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak. In a statement released this morning, several concerns were detailed.
“Over the last several days Judge Frank Barger and Election Officials, Sheriff Kevin Turner and Circuit Clerk Debra Kizer have been in constant communication about preparation for the March 31 Primary Runoff Election,” the statement read. “Based on the situation with COVID-19 there are numerous concerns and obstacles that not only Madison County, but all Election Officials throughout the state, are working to address. We are anxiously awaiting the opinion from Attorney General Steve Marshall and, if favorable for postponement, how Governor Ivey will move forward.
“Madison County Election Officials take the responsibility of elections administration seriously and are proud of our history of delivering well-run, efficient, and transparent elections. Due to the situation with COVID-19, we have serious concerns about the ability to safely and effectively manage the election.”
Their concerns include:
- Citizens gathering to vote based on the CDC recommendation that groups of people should not exceed 10
- Exposure of our available election workers to the general public as many are in the most at-risk category
- Lack of enough election workers necessary to execute the election based on their concerns about exposure and desire to practice social distancing
- Voting locations that might not be available due to their closure to public access or complete shutdown
- The ability to procure necessary supplies to provide proper protection to citizens and election workers – this includes hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, etc.
“We encourage our state leaders to move forward quickly to review how these issues might be addressed for our entire state.”
