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Mayors encourage absentee voting ahead of May elections

On May 19, a few local cities are electing mayors. Governor Ralph Northam postponed the elections two weeks because of the virus.

HAMPTON, Va. — Even with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, elections are coming soon.

On May 19, a few local cities are electing mayors. Governor Ralph Northam postponed the elections two weeks because of the virus.

Hampton Mayor Donnie Tuck says he's with other local mayors in wanting people to vote absentee.

"I've talked with other localities," he said. "Some will have drive-thru voting. In Hampton, poll workers will have masks, gloves, cleaning... we will social distance. Voters will get supplied with gloves and pens."

Williamsburg is one of those cities that will have drive-thru voting. Williamsburg election officials said they have consolidated in-person voting locations to a single location at the Williamsburg Fire Department, where voters can cast their ballots in a drive-thru style election.

You have until May 12 to request an absentee ballot.

Gloucester County leaders are also encouraging voting by mail. Ballots will be available on May 8, which is the same day absentee voting begins. You can learn more here.

RELATED: Northam pushes back May elections, June primaries by two weeks

Both the May General/Special Elections and the June Primary dates have changed per the Governor's Executive Order 56 and Executive Order 59. The Virginia Department of Elections encourages voters to protect their health during COVID-19 outbreak. Voting absentee in the coming May and June elections is strongly encouraged.

After May 19, the next round of elections will be on June 23 for primaries of Congressional races, and on Tuesday, state leaders reached an agreement to promote safe absentee voting for it.

The agreement means you can submit an absentee ballot without a witness' signature. If you live alone, for example, you won't have to violate social distancing protocol to get a witness.

RELATED: Election officials push for mail-in voting during virus outbreak

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