EAC Seeks Flu Season Contingency Plans From Election Officials in Preparing for the 2012 Federal Elections
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Flu season is almost here, and the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) is collecting flu season contingency plans from election officials for its clearinghouse, an initiative first put forth by Commissioner Gineen Bresso in 2009 when there was concern with the spread of H1N1.
"Contingency planning in elections is crucial, and many election administrators have developed thorough staffing plans and ways to mitigate the spread of the flu at the polling place,” said Commissioner Bresso. “Once again, I ask them to please forward contingency plans so EAC can share these solutions with election officials throughout the nation in preparation for the 2012 federal elections.”
EAC seeks plans regarding backup staffing strategies, technology solutions and other creative approaches from election officials at both the state and local levels. EAC is also interested in receiving plans that seek to mitigate the effect of the flu at polling places, such as the addition of hand sanitizers or other preventive practices, and coordination strategies with state and local health departments.
Submission Instructions
Election officials should submit their flu season contingency plans to clearinghouse@eac.gov or add their name as a flu season contingency expert to the Election Official Exchange. Information submitted will be available to the public at the EAC Clearinghouse. EAC will also notify the public and election officials when new plans are submitted through automatic e-alerts, twitter updates and the EAC Newsline. Sign up for alerts and the newsletter, and follow EAC on Twitter at @EACgov.
For more information about the influenza season, visit www.cdc.gov/flu or www.flu.gov.