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2004 ADA Checklist for Polling Places

Note: This checklist was based on the 1991 ADAAG, but has been updated as of 2016 to reflect the 2010 ADA Standards. See updated version here: https://www.corada.com/documents/2016-ada-checklist-for-polling-places/ada-checklist-for-polling-places

Note: This document, portion of document or referenced document was published prior to the 2010 ADA Standards, and all or part of this information may only apply to Safe Harbored elements.

Part 1. Typical Issues for Voters Who Use Wheelchairs, Scooters or Other Mobility Aids

There must be at least one exterior accessible route that connects accessible passenger drop-off areas, accessible parking spaces, and other accessible elements, for example a route from a bus stop to an accessible building entrance. The accessible route is essential for people who have difficulty walking or who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids to get to the accessible entrance of the polling place.

An accessible route is at least 36 inches wide and may narrow briefly to 32 inches wide where utility poles, post-mounted signs, furniture, and doorways are located along an accessible route. Abrupt level changes, steps, or steeply sloped sidewalks cannot be part of an accessible route. Where ramps are used, they cannot be steeper than 1:12. Ramps with a vertical rise of more than 6 inches must have handrails on both sides. Ramps must also have edge protection to stop wheelchairs from falling off the sides, and level landings at the top and bottom of each segment and where a ramp changes direction.

illustration of area outside polling place with accessible parking, entrance, and drop off area

An accessible entrance to a polling place with accessible parking and an accessible drop-off area.

Notes:

1 Accessible route.

2. Accessible drop-off area.

3. Accessible parking with van accessible parking space.

4 Accessible entrance to polling place.

Sidewalks and Walkways Checklist - Voters with Mobility Disabilities

illustration showing exterior accessible route

C1-1. Is an accessible route provided from accessible parking spaces to the accessible entrance of the building?
[ADA Stds 4.1.2(1), 4.3]

Yes _____ No _____

Note: If the accessible route crosses a vehicular route, a marked crosswalk should be used.

Yes _____ No _____

C1-2. Is an accessible route provided from public sidewalks and public transportation stops on the polling site (if provided) to the accessible entrance of the building? [ADA Stds 4.1.2(1)]

Yes _____ No _____

C1-3. Is the accessible route at least 36 inches wide?
If No, the accessible route may narrow to 32 inches wide for up to 2 feet in length.

Yes _____ No _____

C1-4. Is the accessible route free of steps and abrupt level changes over 1/2 inch?
Note: Level changes between 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch should be beveled.

Yes _____ No _____

C1-5. Where an accessible route crosses a curb is a curb ramp provided? If yes,

Yes _____ No _____

5a. Is the ramp surface at least 36 inches wide, excluding flared sides?
[ADA Stds 4.7.3]

Yes _____ No _____

5b. Is the slope (up or down the ramp) no more than 1:12? [ADA Stds 4.7.2]
Note: 1:12 is one inch of vertical height for 12 inches of horizontal distance.

Yes _____ No _____

C1-6. If the slope of part of the accessible route is greater than 1:20, does this part meet the following requirements for an accessible ramp?

Yes _____ No _____

6a. Is the ramp slope no greater than 1:12? [ADA Stds 4.8.2]
Note: For existing ramps, the slope may be 1:10 for a 6 inch rise and 1:8 for a 3 inch rise in special circumstances (see ADA Stds 4.1.6(3)).

Yes _____ No _____

6b. Is the ramp width, measured between handrails, at least 36 inches?
[ADA Stds 4.8.3]

Yes _____ No _____

6c. Does the ramp have a level landing at the top and bottom of each ramp section that is at least 60 inches long? [ADA Stds 4.8.4]
Note: The level landing may be part of the sidewalk or walking surface.

Yes _____ No _____

6d. If a ramp is more than 30 feet long, is a level landing at least 60 inches long provided every 30 feet of horizontal length? [ADA Stds 4.8.4]
Note: When the running slope is less than 1:16 and more than 1:20, each ramp segment may be up to 40 feet long followed by a level landing.

Yes _____ No _____

6e. Is a level landing, at least 60 inches by 60 inches, provided where a ramp changes direction? [ADA Stds 4.8.4]

Yes _____ No _____

6f. Are the handrails mounted between 34 and 38 inches above the ramp surface?
[ADA Stds 4.8.5]

Yes _____ No _____

6g. If the ramp or landing has a vertical drop-off on either side of the ramp, is edge protection provided? [ADA Stds 4.8.7]

Yes _____ No _____

portable ramp with handrails

Accessible Ramp Features

1. At least 36 inches between handrails
2. Top landing part of walk
3. Bottom landing part of walk
4. Handrail height 34 to 38 inches
5. Edge protection

Temporary Solutions for Election Day

Sidewalks and Walkways - Voters with Mobility Disabilities

Problem One:

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

Suggestion: 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.

Problem Two:

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

Suggestion: Install a portable ramp with edge protection.

temporary ramp at curb

A portable ramp with edge protection is installed over a curb to provide an accessible route.

Problem Three:

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

Suggestion: Install a portable ramp no steeper than 1:12 slope with edge protection and handrails

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