It’s no question that the coronavirus(COVID-19) has impacted and changed lives all over the world. People are social distancing to limit the spread of the virus, which affects everything from grocery shopping to elections. This year on November 3rd, the presidential elections in the United States are set to take place, but how will the coronavirus change the format of elections across the globe? 

According to the New York Times, even though Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders dropped out of the Democratic race on April 8, which means former vice president Joe Biden is the party’s nominee, certain states have local elections. Some states like Hawaii and Alaska are voting by mail for the presidential primary. Louisiana has postponed its elections to July 11. On April 7th, voters in Wisconsin went out and voted in the primary election. Democrats in the state tried to extend the election but were blocked in court by Republicans. Democrat Governor, Tony Evers, tried to extend the deadline for voting by absence to June 9thm but was blocked by the state supreme court. The Democratic National convention was rescheduled from the week of July 13 to the week of August 17. 

South Korea held its elections for the national assembly wearing masks and plastic gloves, according to BBC news. With a 66.2% turnout, according to the Washington Post, South Koreans voted for president. Voters had their temperatures taken to determine at what polling area they would go to. Citizens under quarantine had specific times to go and vote, to help prevent the spread of the virus. They also had the option of mailing their ballot, according to BBC News. 

Local elections were held in France on March 15, as reported by Brookings. But haad a very small turnout due to Cornavirus restrictions placed by President Emmanuel Macron. The second is stalled and so are the results. On the same, regional elections were held in Germany. Turnout was high, and Chancellor Angela Merkel did not announce the closure of non-estintal schools and shops till the next day