To the editor:

This year, poll workers will show up in very limited numbers which means long lines and greater exposure to the virus. This year, extra ordinary safety precautions have been implemented — kudos to Lee County Elections.

But the most important key element is still missing which is to mandate the wearing of masks by voters entering the voting venue. The failure of our city, county, state and federal officials who have the power to mandate and require voters to wear masks have failed us. Political considerations have taken the place of common sense and ignoring medical advice. The chances of infection will increase. Death may follow those unlucky who will get infected.

As a poll worker for the past 20 years, I will take a pass from the 2020 elections. This year, I will vote by mail. My life and those of fellow poll workers and masked voters are more important than someone thinking they are making a political statement by not wearing a mask during a savage, raging pandemic which has already infected millions and caused the death of thousand of people in our country.

The outcome of the elections will not change. What might change is your ability to vote in future elections.

George Hopgood

Cape Coral