Excerpts from Joe Scott letter to poll workers
“Based on recently reported scientific date and updated CDC guidelines, it has been determined that requiring all poll workers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and its variants is necessary to minimize risk to coworkers, members of the public and to the proper conduct of the election itself. Additionally, we have learned that individuals who are not vaccinated are far more likely to become sick from COVID-19 and transmit it to others. While vaccination does not prevent individuals from becoming infected, recent data indicate that vaccinated individuals who are infected have both a reduced likelihood of serious illness and may also, for at least some variants, have reduced likelihood of spreading the virus to others.
“To that end, and in the spirit of protecting you and our voters, all poll workers assigned to the November 2, 2021, special primary election (whether working an early voting site or on Election Day) must show proof of full vaccination in order to work during the U.S. House District 20 special primary and special general elections. Please bring evidence of your inoculation against COVID-19 (two doses of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines, or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine) with you to your upcoming training class. The SOE will not retain copies of your vaccination records, but if proof of vaccination is not provided, you will not be permitted to attend the training or work during this election.
“This policy was not arrived at lightly, but rather is being implemented to ensure we are doing everything we can to provide a safe and healthy working environment for all poll workers and reduce risk of transmission to or from the voters who will be coming to our early voting sites and Election Day precincts. We also believe this policy is essential to address COVID-related risk to our ability to conduct the election.”
Source: Aug. 3, 2021, letter from Broward Supervisor of Elections Joe Scott to poll workers for the Nov. 2 special congressional primary and Jan. 11 special general election.