Polling stations are open today for in-person voting. Like many other things in 2020, casting your ballot is going to look a little different this year.

County election officials urge voters to wear masks when they arrive at the polls today, and stay at least 6 feet apart from others while waiting in line.

While election officials can’t deny voters the right to vote if they don’t adhere to these guidelines, taking these steps are highly encouraged in order to protect others, according to Franklin County Board of Elections Democratic Commissioner Brandon Varin.

“We will do everything possible to keep them separate for every other voter,” Varin said, of voters who may arrive without masks. “We cannot and will not refuse the right of an individual to vote.”

Essex County Board of Elections Republican Commissioner Allison McGahay said voters should feel free to tell an election inspector if they experience an issue. Inspectors have been instructed to contact the county Board of Elections for guidance, unless it’s a matter of public safety, in which case inspectors will call 911.

In Essex County, there was just one incident during the early voting period, and that involved a person talking about politics while waiting in line to vote, which is considered “electioneering” and banned within 100 feet of a polling place. An inspector spoke with the person, and the discussion stopped.

Those working at poll stations today will sanitize surfaces used by voters, including pens used to sign in and fill out ballots, privacy sleeves for ballots, tables where ballots are filled out, and in some cases hand railings, according to McGahay. Election inspectors will have hand sanitizer and masks on hand for those who don’t have them, made possible in part by a donation of 3,000 masks from Northwood School in Lake Placid. There will also be face shields available for those medically unable to wear a mask.

The number of votes cast in this election is expected to break records. As of Sunday, at least 94 million Americans had already voted — 34 million in person and 59.9 million by absentee ballot — according to the U.S. Elections Project, a database run by University of Florida professor Michael McDonald.

McGahay says voters should be prepared for long lines. Anyone who has disabilities, mobility issues or difficulty standing in line for an extended period of time should alert a poll worker, who will provide assistance.

For new voters, or those who haven’t voted in a while, there are a few rules about conduct at poll sites to know.

First: No one is allowed to campaign, or “electioneer,” within 100 feet of a polling place, according to Varin. Voters should arrive without any political merchandise or clothing — such as pins, shirts and hats — lest they risk the possibility of violating election law.

“Any individual wearing any political material will be asked to remove it,” Varin said. “If they refuse, they will be denied access to the building until they’ve come back without that material.”

Clothing with slogans — such as President Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” — are allowed, however. Election law prohibits clothing that specifically advertises a candidate whose name appears on the ballot, or a political party appearing on the ballot, according to McGahay.

As always, pictures can’t be taken of a ballot once it’s filled out. Media are allowed to take photos at polling places as long as a voted ballot isn’t visible.

Voters who don’t know where their polling site is can visit https://voterlookup.elections.ny.gov to find out.

Poll sites are open today from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Polling places

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ESSEX COUNTY

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Town of Jay — District 1 and 2: Jay town office, 11 School Lane, AuSable Forks, 518-647-2204

Town of Keene — Districts 1 and 2: Keene Valley fire hall, 15 Market St., Keene Valley

Town of North Elba

¯ Districts 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6: North Elba Town Hall, 2693 Main St., Lake Placid, 518-523-9516

¯ Districts 2, 7: North Elba Town House, 193 River St., Saranac Lake, 518-891-1990

Town of St. Armand — St. Armand Town Hall, 1702 state Route 3, Bloomingdale, 518-891-3189

Town of Wilmington — Wilmington Community Center, 7 Community Circle, Wilmington, 518-946-2105

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FRANKLIN COUNTY

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Town of Brighton — Brighton Town Hall, 12 County Route 31, Paul Smiths, 518-327-3202 or -3201

Town of Franklin — Franklin Town Hall, 7 Cold Brook Road, Vermontville, 518-891-2189

Town of Harrietstown — Harrietstown Town Hall, 39 Main St., Saranac Lake, 518-891-1470 or -4500

Town of Santa Clara — Santa Clara Town Hall, 5359 State Route 30, Saranac Inn, 518-891-1919

Town/village of Tupper Lake — Holy Ghost Parish Center, 40 Marion St., Tupper Lake, 518-359-3405 or -9194