CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A popular tradition on Election night for many might be staying up late and watching the election results or commonly known as “watch parties.”
However, how will these watch parties operate during a global pandemic?
No matter what political party you associate yourself with, seeing elections results transpire can be exciting for many.
Here in Corpus Christi both Democrats and Republicans say watch parties for the 2020 elections are going to be a little different this year.
Joseph Ramirez, political director of the local Democratic party, says since he was a child, events were always held at the Nueces County Democrats building headquarters at the Bonilla Plaza.
Due to the ongoing health crisis, Ramirez says he and his team plan to watch election results outside the Nueces County Courthouse, where there’s much more space.
“You know safety of course is going to be the number one priority for everything we try to practice it," Ramirez said. "Our events are different this year, there’s a lot more online interaction."
Dr. Srikanth Ramachandruni with the Nueces County Health Authority reinforces that all must be vigilant before they decide to gather at their watch party.
“And this is not a time to be complacent and we have to be extra careful and vigilant in terms of how we deal with the gatherings," Ramachandruni said. "Because if one of the asymptomatic infection that means they don’t have symptoms but they still carry the virus they can transmit that virus to everyone in that group."
Ramachandruni also says all must follow the Centers for Disease Control guidelines which include washing hands frequently, social distancing and wearing face masks.
These factors are critical in keeping everyone safe, according to Nueces County Republican chairman Jim Kaelin.
“We got the Plain Jane, we got the kind with stars and stripes, and for those who are really candidate-driven we got our candidates masks," Kaelin said. "So, we will be wearing masks."
Kaelin also says Republicans will not all be gathering together like previous years. Instead, others will break out in smaller groups within the city and will keep in mind everyone's health concerns.
“This is particularly a very difficult period where everyone has to think about not only their health but also their colleagues, friends and family's health,” Ramachandruni said.
And remember if you feel any type of sickness, simply stay home, Ramachandruni said.
