Coronavirus impact on voting

What to expect when casting your vote

The coronavirus has changed a lot of things this year... but elections isn't one of them.

Today ?

"* early voting begins n the state of minnesota... but before you step foot into a polling place ?

"* kimt news 3's maleeha kamal is findind out there are some changes you should be aware of.xxx on the scene look live: i'm here at the olmsted county election office.

And when you come in and vote there are a couple of safety measures that you need to be aware of them one of them is a bin for new and use pens.

When you walk into the election office the first thing you'll see is a hand sanitizer station.

And around the corner are markers to let people know how far apart they have to stand to safely practice social distancing.

At the voting area... booths have been spread out like so and the popular "i voted" stickers will be self served.

These are just some of the measures the olmsted election office is taking to make sure you're safe when you cast your vote.

But when it comes to wearing masks the topic has been a debate in many communities... katie smith is the election manager for olmsted county.

She explains how they are addressing the topic.

"we aren't requiring voters to wear masks we want them to be comfortable with whatever they choose to do but they can expect our staff to be wearing mask.

Look live: i was told you can still request an absentee ballot.

For more information head on over to our website kimt dot com.

In rochester absentee voters have until the day before august primary to cast their vote.

The minnesota primary is set for tuesday august 11th.

Summer's