1. Equip for Equality October 2016
Voting Access: Ensuring the Rights of People with Disabilities at the Polls
Equip for Equality
October 2016

2. Today’s Agenda Introduction to Voting Access Chicago Project
Overview of Federal Voting Rights of People with Disabilities
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
National Voting Rights Act of 1993
Help America Vote Act
Review of Recent Illinois Election Law Changes
Review of Polling Place Accessibility Survey

3. What is Voting Access Chicago?
Partnership with Chicago Board of Election Commissioners (CBOE) to identify and remedy barriers to polling place accessibility
Temporary and permanent
Comprehensive survey of approximately 1,700 polling places in the City of Chicago on Election Day, November 8, 2016
Goal is to ensure all Chicago polling places are fully accessible by March, 2018 3 3

4. Background
People with disabilities historically underrepresented at the polls
Estimated 46 million people with disabilities of voting age in U.S.
Only15.6 million people with disabilities reported voting in 2012 General Election
Voter turnout rate of people with disabilities 5.7% points lower than people without disabilities in 2012
3 million more voters with disabilities if they voted at the same rate as people without disabilities

5. Barriers to Voting Inaccessible polling places and equipment
Discriminatory practices and attitudes of election officials, poll workers, guardians, caretakers
Transportation
Lack of knowledge about voting rights
Individuals with disabilities
Family members/guardians
Election officials/poll workers
Service providers

6. Federal Laws Governing Voting Rights of People with Disabilities
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)
Title II requires that people with disabilities have equal access and opportunity to vote
Polling places must comply with ADA requirements that determine the space in which people vote. Includes guidelines regarding:
Width of hallways and doorways and ensuring adequate turning space at the voting machine.
Space for walkways and parking spaces outside polling place also defined.
Part of overall ADA checklist to ensure space in/ around voting station complies with federal law

7. Federal Laws Governing Voting Rights of People with Disabilities
National Voting Rights Act of 1993
Includes a provision to allow voter registration opportunities at state agencies, some of which serve people with disabilities
Some research indicates state agencies fail to routinely offer voter registration to the people they serve
The federal government rarely enforces these provisions

8. Federal Laws Governing Voting Rights of People with Disabilities
Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA)
Passed to address problems with voting systems and voter access encountered in 2000 election
Intended to improve access to electoral process for all U.S. citizens
Specific provisions for voters with disabilities
Requires that each polling place have at least one accessible voting machine
People with disabilities must be able to vote privately and independently

9. Recent Illinois Election Law Changes that Expand Voting Opportunities
17-year-olds otherwise qualified to register to vote may register and vote in Primary Election if they will be 18 years old by date of General Election
Online Voter Registration at
Grace period registration and voting
Allows you to register to vote/update your address through Election Day. Grace period registration is offered at the local election authority’s office, early voting sites and some polling places
Must register and vote at the same time

10. Recent Illinois Election Law Changes that Expand Voting Opportunities
Expanded early voting hours
Early voting sites must be open during the 15 days before Election Day from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays.
During the 8 days before Election Day, early voting sites must be open from: 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. or 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekdays; 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturdays/ holidays, and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sundays.
Vote by Mail (formerly known as absentee voting)
Available to anyone
No reason or excuse required

11. Recent Illinois Election Law Changes that Expand Voting Opportunities
Campus Voting
In addition to other early voting sites, each appropriate election authority must conduct early voting in a high traffic area on the campus of a public university in the authority’s jurisdiction.

12. Determining Polling Place Accessibility: The Survey
The survey tool (checklist) is designed to evaluate the accessibility of the polling place as a whole, i.e., from point of arrival to point of return
It is a step-by-step checklist that examines:
Parking Area
Passenger Drop Off Area
Exterior Route to Accessible Entrance
Polling Place Entrance
Route from Entrance into Voting Area
Voting Area
Ramps
Lifts and Elevators

13. Determining Polling Place Accessibility: The Survey
To use the tool effectively, consider how/where a person with a disability would:
Arrive at the polling place
Approach the polling place
Enter the polling place
Navigate through the polling place, including the voting area
Exit the polling place.

14. Determining Polling Place Accessibility: The Survey
For each of these areas, the survey contains a list of questions that may be answered by checking: Yes, No, or N/A. It also provides a space to write comments after each question.
More information is better
At the end of each section, the survey asks whether there is a remedy for removing any barriers: 1) permanently; or 2) temporarily.
Provide comments/explanation as needed

15. Determining Polling Place Accessibility: The Survey
Some of the questions in the survey will require you to take measurements.
For this purpose, you will be provided with the following tools:
24” digital level (to measure the slope of surfaces and ramps)
Door pressure gauge (to measure the weight/force of doors)
25 ft. tape measure (to measure width/height of spaces)
Be sure to record the actual measurement taken for each question

16. Explanation of Survey Terms
Van accessible parking space
It is the same as a regular parking space, except for 3 features needed by vans:
It has a wider access aisle (96”) to accommodate a wheelchair lift
Vertical clearance for the height of the van, adjacent access aisle and the van route to and from the accessible parking space
An additional sign that indicates it is a van accessible parking space

17. Explanation of Survey Terms
Access aisle
An accessible space adjacent to an accessible parking space or between two parking spaces that provides clearance for a person using a wheelchair or other mobility device to maneuver. It is clearly delineated and marked with diagonal stripes.

18. Explanation of Survey Terms
Designated accessible parking space
A parking space that is marked with a sign displaying the international symbol of accessibility
Accessible route
A route of travel that is free of barriers/conditions that would impede a person with a disability from safely navigating the route

19. Explanation of Survey Terms
Curb ramp
A transition area between the street and the curb that allows persons with disabilities to access the sidewalk or path of travel without any abrupt changes in level

20. Explanation of Survey Terms
Slope
Represents the proportion of vertical rise to horizontal length. It is expressed in the ADA standards as a ratio, i.e., 1:12. It may also be expressed by a percentage or in degrees.
“Running slope” of a route or ramp refers to the vertical slope that corresponds with the direction of the path of travel
“Cross slope” of a route or ramp refers to the horizontal slope and is measured across the width of the slope

21. Explanation of Survey Terms
Alternative accessible entrance
Refers to the entrance to the polling place to be used by voters with disabilities when the main entrance to the polling place is not accessible

22. Instructions for Use of Tools
Digital level
Slope measurement functions shown by percentage, degrees, and inch : foot ratio
Use the percentage setting for the surveys

23. Instructions for Use of Tools
Door pressure gauge
Adjust measurement ring to 0 (zero) pounds force
Find spot approximately handle high and 30” away from door hinge
Slowly press instrument against the door
To be ADA compliant, end measurement of doors must not exceed 5 pounds force

24. Polling Place Accessibility Survey - Parking Area
NOTE: You will only need to complete this section if parking is provided to voters with disabilities. If not, proceed to Section B (passenger drop off area)
Is there at least one designated van accessible space with signage with the international symbol of accessibility and designated “van accessible”?
Are the designated van accessible spaces at least 96” wide with a 96” wide access aisle, or 132” wide with a 60” wide access aisle?

25. Polling Place Accessibility Survey – Parking Area
For van accessible spaces (particularly in a garage or parking structure), is there vertical clearance of at least 98 inches for the vehicle route to the parking space, in the parking space and access aisle, and along the vehicle route to the exit?
Are designated accessible parking spaces and the access aisles serving them on a level surface, not exceeding 2.1 percent in all directions?
Note: curb ramps may not be part of an access aisle.

26. Polling Place Accessibility Survey – Parking Area
Are the surfaces of the designated accessible parking spaces and access aisles stable, firm, and slip resistant?
Are the designated accessible parking spaces located on the shortest accessible route to the accessible entrance?

27. Polling Place Accessibility Survey – Passenger Drop Off Area
Is the vehicle pull-up space on a level surface, with a slope not exceeding 2.1 percent in all directions?
Is the access aisle next to the vehicle pull-up space on a level surface, with a slope not exceeding 2.1 percent in all directions?
Is there vertical clearance of at least 114 inches (9 feet 6 inches) from the site entrance to the vehicle pull-up area, in the access aisle, and along the vehicle route to the exit?

28. Polling Place Accessibility Survey – Passenger Drop Off Area
Is a curb ramp provided if a curb separates the access aisle from the accessible route to the accessible entrance?
Is the width of the curb ramp surface at least 36 inches (not counting the side flares)?
Does an accessible route connect the access aisle and curb ramp to the accessible entrance of the polling place?

29. Polling Place Accessibility Survey– Exterior Route to the Accessible Entrance
Is the route at least 36” wide?
Is the route free of abrupt changes in level greater than ½”, including stairs?
Is the route free of openings greater than ½”, such as in a grate or holes in the pavement?
Are walking surfaces stable, firm, and slip resistant?

30. Polling Place Accessibility Survey – Exterior Route to the Accessible Entrance
Is the route free of wall mounted objects that protrude 4” or more into the path of travel, between 27” and 80” high?
Persons who are blind or have low vision that use a cane to navigate cannot detect barriers/obstructions that are more than 27” above the ground
Is the route free of post mounted objects that protrude more than 12” into the path of travel between 27” and 80” high?
Are objects that hang over the pedestrian route 80” or higher, including the underside of exterior stairs?

31. Polling Place Accessibility Survey - Exterior Route to the Accessible Entrance
If the route crosses a curb, is there a curb ramp that is 36” wide with a slope no more than 8.3 percent?
If the slope of part of the route is greater than 5 percent, or there are steps, is there a ramp? If yes, go to Section G (ramps).
Is the cross slope of the accessible route no greater than 2.1 percent?

32. Polling Place Accessibility Survey – Polling Place Entrances
Is the width of the clear door opening (one door or one side of a double leaf door) at least 32”?
Is the door hardware useable with one hand and without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist?
Can it be opened using a closed fist?
Can the door be opened with less than 5 pounds of force?
If door has automatic door opener marked with International Symbol of Accessibility, check to make sure it works. If yes, not necessary to measure force of door

33. Polling Place Accessibility Survey - Polling Place Entrances
On the pull side of the door, is there 18” of clearance provided to the side of the latch?
Is the area in front of the door level, not exceeding a slope greater than 2.1 percent in all directions?
If there are doors in a series, is the distance between the two hinged doors at least 48 inches plus the width of the doors swinging into the space?
Can the second door (interior door) in the series be opened with less than 5 pounds of force?
If door has automatic door opener marked with International Symbol of Accessibility, check to make sure it works. If yes, not necessary to measure force of door

34. Polling Place Accessibility Survey - Polling Place Entrances
Are thresholds at the door no higher than ½”? (Note: If the threshold is between ¼” and ½” it must be beveled.)
Do inaccessible entrances have signage directing voters to the accessible entrance?
If voters are directed to an alternative accessible entrance, is this entrance kept unlocked during all voting hours?

35. Polling Place Accessibility Survey – Route from Entrance into Voting Area
Is the route at least 36” wide?
Is the route free of wall mounted objects that protrude 4” or more into the path of travel and are between 27” and 80” high?
Is the route free of post mounted objects that protrude more than 12” into the path of travel and are between 27” and 80” high?
Are objects that hang over the pedestrian route 80” or higher, including the underside of stairs?

36. Polling Place Accessibility Survey – Route from Entrance into Voting Area
Is the route free of abrupt changes in level greater than ½”, including stairs?
If the slope of part of the route is greater than 5 percent, or there are steps, is there a ramp? If yes, go to Section G (ramps).
If the route to the voting area has stairs, is a lift or elevator provided? If yes, go to Section H (lifts) or Section I (elevators).

37. Polling Place Accessibility Survey – Route from Entrance into Voting Area
If doors are provided along the route to the voting area, is the clear width of at least one door no less than 32”?
Is the door hardware operable with one hand and operable without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist?
Can the door be opened with 5 pounds of force or less?
If door has automatic door opener marked with International Symbol of Accessibility, does it work? If yes, not necessary to measure force of door

38. Polling Place Accessibility Survey – Route from Entrance into Voting Area
Is the threshold at the door no higher than ½”? (Note: If the threshold is between ¼” and ½” it must be beveled.
On the pull side of the door, is there 18” of clearance provided beyond the latch?
Is the area in front of the door level, not exceeding a slope greater than 2.1 percent in all directions?

39. Polling Place Accessibility Survey – Within the Voting Area
NOTE: If there is more than one precinct in the same polling place location you must complete the questions in Section F for each one.
Are walking surfaces stable, firm, and slip resistant?
If not, please describe (i.e., cracks, etc.)
Is the circulation path (route) free of wall mounted objects that protrude 4” or more into the path of travel and are between 27” and 80” high?
Is the circulation path (route) free of post mounted objects that protrude more than 12” into the path of travel and are between 27” and 80” high?

40. Polling Place Accessibility Survey – Within the Voting Area
Are objects that hang over the circulation path (route) 80” or higher, including the underside of stairs?
Is there enough room to provide a route at least 36” wide to the registration table and voting booths?
Is there enough room to provide a turning space in front of at least one voting machine or voting booth, such as a circle that is 60” in diameter?

41. Polling Place Accessibility Survey – Within the Voting Area
Are the accessible voting machines and stations positioned in such a way as to afford voters with disabilities the same amount of privacy afforded to other voters?  
Is there at least one accessible writing surface/voting station provided where the surface is 28-34” high, knee space is 27” high minimum and 30” wide minimum?
Is there at least one accessible electronic voting machine provided where the surface is 28-34” high, knee space is 27” high minimum and 30” wide minimum? 
If the answer to any of the above questions is no, indicate why from your observation this did not happen: _____incorrect set up; _____not enough room

42. Polling Place Accessibility Survey – Ramps
Is the running slope of the ramp no greater than 8.3 percent?
Is the cross slope of the ramp 2.1 percent or less?
Is the rise for any ramp run 30” or less?
Is the ramp width, measured between handrails, at least 36” wide?
Does the ramp have a level landing at the top and bottom of each ramp section that is at least 60” long?
To allow space to maneuver/turn if using a mobility device

43. Polling Place Accessibility Survey – Ramps
For every 30” of rise, is a level landing at least 60” long provided?
Is a level landing, at least 60” by 60” provided where a ramp changes direction?
Are handrails provided that are between 34” and 38” above the ramp surface?
If the ramp or landing has a vertical drop-off on either side of the ramp, is edge protection provided?
Note: You must complete a ramp form for each ramp

44. Polling Place Accessibility Survey – Lifts
Is the lift operational at the time of the survey?
Is the lift independently operable, or can it be made so during election day?
Is there 30” by 48” of clear floor space within the lift?
Are the controls for the lift no higher than 48”?

45. Polling Place Accessibility Survey – Lifts
Are the controls operable without tight grasping, pinching or twisting?
Can they be operated using a closed fist?
Is clear opening width of the door/ gate at the end of the lift at least 32” wide? If a side door/ gate is provided, is the clear opening width at least 42” wide?

46. Polling Place Accessibility Survey – Elevators
Is the elevator car door opening at least 36” wide?
Is there space to maneuver within the elevator car
Measure the width and depth of the elevator car
Are hallway elevator call buttons 48” high or lower?
Are elevator car controls 48” high or lower?

47. Polling Place Accessibility Survey – Elevators
Does the elevator have visible and audible signals in the hallway to indicate the arrival and direction of elevator cars?
Visible signals are needed for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing
Audible signals are needed for people who are blind or have low vision
Does the elevator have visible and audible signals within elevator cars to indicate position of the car?

48. Preparation for Election Day
Prior to Election Day, you will receive the following:
All necessary tools/supplies (digital level, door pressure gauge, tape measure, clipboard, tote bag, etc.)
Polling place assignments and survey forms
Parking permits from CBOE (to allow you to park in areas/spaces not otherwise allowed without penalty)
Poll watcher credentials from CBOE
You must fill out a poll watcher credential form and present it to an election judge at each polling place and precinct that you enter
If you are going with a partner, you will both need to submit credentials
Phone numbers to call for assistance on Election Day

49. Post-Election Day
You must return all survey tools and completed survey forms to Equip for Equality by November 15, 2016
You will receive notice of optional briefing sessions about the survey results and remedies planned to address any barriers

50. E-mail: VotingAccessChicago@equipforequality.org
Questions?
Voting Access Chicago