‘Without question, poll workers are essential workers. Period. This is a no brainer, black and white. There’s no question they would be deemed to be essential workers.’ That’s what Phil Murphy, the Governor of New Jersey, USA said when asked if poll workers there should receive the COVID-19 vaccine earlier in February in advance of May municipal elections. 

At LGIU, we agree. From the people who plan and organise the elections who are now having to go into work to prepare for May elections, to those who staff the polls on the day, to the army of volunteer workers who count the ballots over a several day period - they are all essential workers. Essential workers who have to be close enough to be watched by count observers in indoor spaces during an airborne pandemic.