District of Columbia Extends Stay-at-Home Order, Maintains Voting and Volunteering Access

In a Wednesday announcement, D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser extended the District's stay-at-home order until June 8, sparking concerns about voting rights. However, after a phone call with community leaders, Bowser clarified that voting and volunteering at the polls are considered essential activities permitted under the order. The D.C. Board of Elections has taken proactive steps to allow citizens to vote by mail, mailing absentee ballot request forms to every District household.

Key Takeaways:

• The District of Columbia's stay-at-home order has been extended until June 8, but voting and volunteering at the polls are permitted under the order.
• The D.C. Board of Elections has sent absentee ballot request forms to every household in the District, enabling citizens to vote by mail.
• Twenty voting centers will be opened from May 22 to June 2 to facilitate staggered voting days.
• The District will prioritize the health and safety of voters, with measures in place to minimize in-person contact.
• Community leaders and residents have expressed concern about the impact of the stay-at-home order on voting rights, prompting clarification from Mayor Bowser.
• The D.C. Board of Elections has made efforts to adapt to the current circumstances, ensuring that citizens can still exercise their right to vote.

Statistics:

• The stay-at-home order will remain in effect until June 8.
• Twenty voting centers will be open from May 22 to June 2.
• The D.C. Board of Elections has mailed absentee ballot request forms to every District household.
• The District has implemented measures to minimize in-person contact during voting.

Sources:

• Julie Zauzmer, "Voting at polls permitted under order, Bowser says,"
• Dana Hedgpeth, "Montgomery cancels county summer camps,"
• The Washington Post