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Ready or not municipal primary elections are a little more than a week away.

Regardless of whether voters are ready to brave going to the polls in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic in a little more than a week, poll workers have to be ready.

Election Commissioner Larry Gardner recently held a meeting with poll workers to make sure everyone knows how to conduct the election using social distancing and precautionary measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Election equipment with touchscreens could pose a problem.

Also some polling places do not allow a lot of room for keeping social distancing of 6 feet between individuals, especially if lines form to sign in and show proper identification, etc.

Everyone has a right to vote, but that right does not include possibly exposing others to COVID-19.

The election commission’s plan is a good one and follows city, state and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.

When you go to the polls on June 2, be sure to wear a facial mask. Keep your distance from other people, even when you are waiting in line. Once you get to the sign-in booth have your picture identification in hand and show it to the poll workers.

The election commissioners will provide disposable pens for people to sign in with, so numerous people do not have to reuse the same pens. To handle the touchscreen voting issue, the election commission is providing Popsicle sticks for people to use rather than their fingers.

By following the guidelines and being prepared, the June 2 primary election should not be a problem.

We urge everyone not only to study up on the candidates before going to the polls but also to be prepared to operate under the COVID-19 guidelines.

Be prepared and vote safely.