SDOT to allow neighborhoods to close off blocks to vehicles for Election Day
Oct 30, 2020, 2:09 PM | Updated: Oct 7, 2024, 9:17 am
Stay Healthy Streets across the city were created to provide safe recreational opportunities for walkers, runners, and bikers. (Photo courtesy of SDOT)
(Photo courtesy of SDOT)
The Seattle Department of Transportation announced a new measure Friday, allowing neighborhoods to apply for a temporary “Stay Healthy Block” permit specifically for Election Day.
Closures for Stay Healthy Streets expand in Seattle
This idea builds on the creation of Stay Healthy Streets, which have been closed to thru-traffic to allow for more recreational space in neighborhoods during the pandemic. That was expanded recently to allow for temporary Stay Healthy Blocks for trick-or-treating on Halloween, and will now extend to an “Election Edition Block” as well for Tuesday, Nov. 3.
“Thousands of Seattleites have exercised their democratic right to vote and will continue doing so over the next few days,” SDOT Director Sam Zimbabwe said in a news release. “As we balance this historic moment with the challenges of COVID-19, we hope our free program for families and neighbors to close their block, get outdoors, and be active together at safe distances eases stress.”
While election-related activities are optional, families and residents with a Stay Healthy Block permit for next Tuesday are permitted to host a socially-distanced outdoor movie night, eat outside with neighbors, set up a scavenger hunt, and more.
Why Seattle is permanently closing 20 miles of streets to through-traffic
Election Edition Blocks can be no greater than one block long, and does not include an intersection. It cannot be in an urban center, and is limited to non-arterial streets that are not within three blocks of a ballot box. This map denotes which streets qualify; according to SDOT, “if there is no line — dotted or solid — running along the middle of the street, it’s most likely a non-arterial street.”
If you’re interested in an Election Edition Block for this neighborhood, you’ll need to use this form to register, providing your name, address, the block you are closing, and your email. You can see more information about other requirements, including necessary signage for closing roads, here.
