2016 ADA CHECKLIST FOR POLLING PLACES

Solutions for Accessibility: Problems Involving the Accessible Route

Problem One: The sidewalk connecting parking to the polling place entrance is too steep to be accessible.

Solution: Check to see if there is another sidewalk that provides an accessible route to the accessible entrance. Sometimes there is a less direct route that can serve as the accessible route. If no accessible route can be found from the current designated accessible parking, relocate the accessible parking using traffic
cones and signs to an area where there is an accessible route to the entrance.

Problem Two: The accessible route crosses a curb and no curb ramp is provided.

Solution: Install a portable ramp.

Problem Three: One or two steps are part of the walkway leading to the accessible entrance.

Solution: Install a portable ramp.

Problem Four:  The interior hallway leading to the voting area contains a set of stairs that cannot be ramped.

Solution: If the accessible route cannot be relocated, look for another area where voting may be provided. For example, if the stage in a school auditorium used for voting is up several steps, perhaps the hallway or lobby area may be accessible and used for voting instead of the stage. Or, if a church basement located down a flight of stairs is used as the voting area, perhaps one of the ground floor rooms could be used as the voting area. If it is impossible to relocate the voting area for all voters, find a location for an accessible voting station that offers the same privacy as the other voting area.