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Waiting to vote safely: How Covid‐19 safety measures shaped in‐person voter wait times during the 2020 election

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  • Joseph Coll

Abstract

Objective The aim of this article is to assess the impact of Covid‐19 safety measures on voter wait times during the 2020 U.S. election. Methods Multinomial logistic regression models predicting voter wait times contingent on the presence of Covid safety measures: poll workers wearing face coverings, protective barriers separating voters and workers, voters and booths socially distanced, hand sanitizer, single‐use ballot marking pens, and cleaning voting booths between voters, as well as an additive index of these measures. Results Findings suggest Covid‐safety measures significantly affected voter wait times. Effects vary by Covid safety feature, with face coverings, barriers, social distancing, and cleaning booths increasing voter wait times (typically around 10–30 min), single‐use pens decreasing voter wait times, and hand sanitizer having no effect. Results are further confirmed using an additive index. Conclusion Covid safety features likely increased voter wait times during the 2020 U.S. election, potentially accounting for a portion of the increased voter wait time, compared to previous elections.

Suggested Citation

  • Joseph Coll, 2022. "Waiting to vote safely: How Covid‐19 safety measures shaped in‐person voter wait times during the 2020 election," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 103(2), pages 380-398, March.
  • Handle: RePEc:bla:socsci:v:103:y:2022:i:2:p:380-398
    DOI: 10.1111/ssqu.13124
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    1. Ben Jann, 2014. "Plotting regression coefficients and other estimates," Stata Journal, StataCorp LP, vol. 14(4), pages 708-737, December.
    2. Ben Jann, 2014. "A new command for plotting regression coefficients and other estimates," German Stata Users' Group Meetings 2014 09, Stata Users Group.
    3. Robert M. Stein & Greg Vonnahme, 2012. "When, Where, and How We Vote: Does it Matter?," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 93(3), pages 692-712, September.
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