Voting for the 2020 general election gets underway this weekend. And to help mitigate the threat of infection during this COVID pandemic, the Guam Election Commission has come up with a mandated voter safety plan.

In-office voting will begin at the agency's GCIC Building headquarters this Saturday. After that, Mondays through Fridays from 9am to 6pm until October 30. GEC executive director Maria Pangelinan says it will be by appointment only, and the first hour is reserved for the island's man'amko.

"Please know that we won't turn anybody away, and in most cases, 99 percent of the time, we will have same day appointments available," she promised.

You must wear a mask, bring your own black or blue pen, and a valid photo id. Pangelinan says there will also be early voting in the villages, noting, "Saturday, September 26 we will be in Malesso from 9:00 to 4:00, Saturday, October 3 we will be in Mangilao; at George Washington High School; on Saturday, October 10 we will be in Yigo at DL Perez Elementary School; Saturday, October 17 we will be in Dededo at Okkodo High School," she said.

For the general election, public health guidelines will be used to promote voter safety. For example, polling rooms will be disinfected, sanitizing lotion will be available, as will masks and gloves.

"We will also hire election workers to screen our voters to keep them safe," said Pangelinan. "These election workers will also assist us with social distancing, that will be practiced and enforced, both in-office and Election Day, and election night at the Election Return Center."

Curbside voting will also be available by appointment at both GEC offices and village satellite locations. For more information call 477-9791, or visit the commission's website at gec.guam.gov.