Lack of masks at early voting sites distressing

I was distressed and surprised to see that most of the poll workers (and watchers) at the Bonner County early voting site on Wednesday, Oct. 21, were not wearing masks or observing social distancing.  

Nationally and locally, new COVID-19 cases and deaths are rising. Idaho is in the top ten states for new cases. Active cases in Bonner County are the highest they have ever been (per Panhandle Health District numbers as of Oct. 15, 2020).

Even though Bonner County rejected a mask mandate, many local businesses and public offices have done the responsible thing and required mask wearing by customers and employees. Citizens must visit the county administration building, whether they want to or not, to transact necessary business, including and not least, voting. They should be able to do so without endangering their health.

An individual’s freedom (to not wear a mask or observe social distance) ends where it endangers another’s health or safety. We have rules that protect our freedom not to have our health or safety compromised by another’s irresponsibility, such as not smoking in public places, and speed limits on the highway. To not take actions which endanger another’s health is exercising responsibility, whether voluntarily or involuntarily.  

Bonner County and Panhandle Health District officials should fulfill their responsibility to ensure that everyone has the freedom to vote without endangering their health due to other’s lack of concern for their health and safety.

DONALD LAUMANN

Sandpoint