REPORTAGE
"We will really take all the precautions." On the eve of the second round of municipal elections, the shadow of the coronavirus raised fears of another massive abstention. So the town halls redouble their vigilance to guarantee the health security of the ballot. This is particularly the case in Paris, where the polling stations are ready to welcome voters with a maximum level of precaution. Vigilance that begins from ... the sidewalk: a person will be responsible for recalling the instructions in the queues, or even regulating them if necessary.
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Maximum three voters
Josiane will be posted at reception. Credit: Claudia Bertram / Europe 1
And it is far from over. In the polling station which Josiane will take care of, the gauge is fixed to three voters maximum inside. Citizens who will have to wear a mask, "because it's compulsory", she explains to the microphone of Europe 1. What if they don't have one? "We can provide them," she retorts, adding that hand washing with hydroalcoholic gel is not an option either.
Hydroalcoholic gel and hygiaphones
The assessors, president and polling station agents will also be equipped, such as Wissale, who will check identity cards without touching them. "We are provided with a mask, a visor, hydroalcoholic gel. There are also the hygiaphones, a plexiglass window placed on the desks and which protects the people who come to vote and ourselves." An impressive but necessary device which does not seem to disturb him beyond measure. "It's pretty weird but actually you get used to it." Markings on the ground will also guide voters, with obviously a meter of physical distance.
Vigilance, even in the voting booth. Credit: Claudia Bertram / Europe 1
"Limit the voter as much as possible at the polling stations"
"The objective is to limit as much as possible the presence of the voter in the polling stations", summarizes at the microphone of Europe 1 François Guichard, in charge of the elections for the town hall of Paris. "We will really take all the precautions and I think that from a health point of view, the polling stations will be the safest places in the capital."