The California Department of Health has issued an All Facilities Letter (AFL) reminding skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) to ensure residents can safely exercise their right to vote in the November 3, 2020 election during the COVID-19 pandemic. SNFs are encouraged to work with their local long-term care ombudsman and take appropriate precautions. The letter provides guidance for SNFs to help residents register to vote, access election materials, and maintain social distancing while voting. It also outlines actions that SNF staff cannot take when assisting residents to vote, such as influencing their vote or determining their mental competence. The letter encourages SNFs to contact their County Elections Office for alternative voting methods, such as Remote Accessible Vote-by-Mail (RAVBM). Additionally, long-term care ombudsmen are available to assist SNFs in supporting residents' voting rights and providing information about the voting process.

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