ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — As voting by mail continues to take on greater importance due to the coronavirus pandemic, another Bay area county elections official called on voters in her county to vote by mail to keep themselves and others safe.
What You Need To Know
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- Changes in Pinellas County estimated to cost $600,000
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In Pinellas County, the pandemic has forced nearly two dozen polling places to relocate out of nursing homes, senior centers and retirement communities.
In light of that, new Pinellas Supervisor of Elections Julie Marcus wants Pinellas voters to take every precaution.
“We’re really asking the community to do their part,” said Marcus. “Stay safe, vote at home so that those who have to go to the polling places to vote in person can do so in a safe environment.”
To make it even more convenient, both Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties are paying the postage on mail-in ballots. All the changes this year will cost Pinellas County about $600,000.
That's money Marcus hopes to pay back.
“The state has already applied for, from what we understand, for the CARES Act Funds,” Marcus said, “grant funds which we’re hoping will come down to the county soon and we can reimburse the county with those funds.”