Editor,

Let me see if I have this straight.

Ten people in the Elections Office became ill and tested positive for Covid during the primary ballot recount in August.

Since many of the volunteers who do the recounts are over 65, which is the age group most susceptible to dying from Covid, Island County Auditor Sheilah Crider decided to require the wearing of masks in the Elections Office. (Remember that Covid is spread by air droplets as is the flu and measles. Masks help prevent the spread.)

The counting can be observed from a better advantage through a window where mask wearing isn’t required.

Tim Hazelo and Tracy Abuhl, election observers, chair and co-chair of the Republican Party, signed an acknowledgement of the rules but decided to break the rules to force being allowed to enter without a mask. (The Republicans are the “law and order” party so shouldn’t they appreciate rules?)

So, my understanding of the leaders of the Island County Republican Party is that they don’t give a damn about the health of others and are unwilling to make accommodations that would not prevent them from observing the process.

It all seems rather childish to me.

Rita Dybdahl Cline

Oak Harbor