Wisconsin is between a rock and a hard place

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13. Those who view voting as a civil obligation and essential service to country and state

will come out. Understandably, many will not wish to take the risk. And they should not if they feel uncomfortable or have high risk.

We had to make that decision in March, when our state went ahead with its scheduled voting date of March 17. It was before the stay-at-home order was in place, but already a large concern, especially for those of us over sixty. We had not applied for mail-in ballots and were planning to vote on election day, as is our normal practice, except for the few times when we knew we would be out of state on election day. However, we did decide to go instead to one of the early voting sites, on March 13, in advance of election day. Felt it was our duty, just as we ask our service members, and now our health care workers and others, to put themselves in danger.

We chose a time when when we thought it might be less crowded (2 pm). It was: maybe only 5 or so other people voting. The check-in table was stocked with hand sanitizer, and the voting booths allowed us to be separated from others. We wore protective gloves (though not masks yet) and brought our own hand sanitizer. Three and a half weeks later, and sheltering in place since that time, we are still okay.

It is more risky today, as the virus spreads, so my empathy goes out to Wisconsinites who must make the decision. I would hope people make it: stand six feet apart, wear latex gloves and a mask if you can, wash or sanitize hands immediately. It will probably be no more risky than making the weekly trip to the grocery.