Residents of assisted living facilities can register to vote or request a mail-in ballot with the help of their family members.

 Arizona Daily Star 2003

Pima County Recorder F. Ann Rodriguez is asking the public for help in making sure all who need to register to vote or get a ballot while in assisted living facilities, nursing homes or hospitals does so.

Since COVID-19, regulations implemented at these facilities have stopped admitting visitors for the health and safety of elderly residents.

So that includes team members on the county’s special elections board, explained Rodriguez in a news release. Prior to the pandemic, the team members would go to the facilities to assist the voter in receiving, voting and returning their ballot.

There are cases where people are temporarily staying in facilities and are not able to get to their polling place or receive mail, said Rodriguez.

Since special elections board team members no longer are allowed to enter the facilities, Rodriguez is asking help from family members or friends of residents.

“We need the public’s help in making certain their friends and family members in those facilities are properly registered to vote and able to get access to a ballot,” said Rodriguez.

The deadline to register to vote is Oct. 5 to be eligible to vote in the Nov. 3 general election. The county Recorder’s Office has contacted almost 200 nursing homes, assisted living and rehabilitation facilities in an attempt to register residents who want to vote. Not all facilities have responded, said Rodriguez.

She said if family or friends of residents in facilities know that their loved one wants to receive a ballot, they can call the Recorder’s Office at 724-4330 and give the name and location of the facility so necessary arrangements can be made for the resident to receive a ballot.

“This is a critical election at both the national and local level. Every eligible voter who wishes to participate should be allowed to do so in a safe fashion,” said Rodriguez. “Now is the time to start the process for the voters who are confined in the medical facilities. Don’t wait until the last minute.”

Become a #ThisIsTucson member! Your contribution helps our team bring you stories that keep you connected to the community. Become a member today.

Contact reporter Carmen Duarte at cduarte@tucson.com or 573-4104.

On Twitter: @cduartestar