During the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing is required to ‘smooth the curve’ and keep those participating in person on Election Day(s) safe. These health and safety factors create an environment where layout planning, line balancing, and resource allocation are more vital than ever. This modified Visual Simulation Model, which includes pre-programmed social distancing will help decision-makers with effective planning during COVID-19.

For new users, the Covid-19 Visual Simulation User Guide provides step-by-step instructions to create a COVID-19 simulation model from the basic Visual Simulation Model of a polling location in Simio. The basic visual simulation model includes electronic poll pads, paper ballots, and optical scanners. For assistance with the Visual Simulation Model, please refer the Visual Simulation Model webpage prior to executing these changes.

This simulation can be used to identify potential bottleneck locations and demonstrate how a polling place will operate on Election Day(s). The COVID-19 visual simulation model and all required inputs can be found below in the COVID-19 Visual Simulation Package. For more experienced users, additional renderings of other voting equipment can be downloaded from the SketchUp 3D Warehouse and imported into Simio.