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Ector and Midland counties prep for July primaries during COVID-19

"We have someone designated to clean the machines before each person touches it," Carolyn Graves, Midland Co. elections administrator said.

MIDLAND, Texas — Election day is when we get to exercise one of our most important rights as American citizens. 

COVID-19 has many worried that it could compromise that right come election day on July 14. 

Midland County's elections administrator, Carolyn Graves tells Newswest 9 they're not letting that happen.

"We’ll be wiping down any pencil, anything that someone will touch, we’re going to make an effort to keep them wiped off and clean," Graves said. 

Additionally, sneeze guards are going up, social distance is being marked on the ground, hand sanitizer, gloves, and masks are being provided for judges and poll workers.

If that still doesn't make you feel completely safe, there's another addition. 

Governor Abbott added a week to this year's early voting to help with the flow of large voting crowds.

Voting hours will be extended this year as well.

"At the end of the day, keeping our voters and our workers safe is what matters most," Graves said. 

Another thing to note, mail-in ballots have more than doubled this summer compared to the 2016 primary.

Both Ector and Midland County elections officials recommend you wear a mask and bring your own stylus or pen to touch the voting screen.

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