2016 ADA CHECKLIST FOR POLLING PLACES

Building Entrance

A polling place must have at least one accessible entrance. At least one door at the accessible entrance must have a minimum clear width of 32 inches for a voter who uses a wheelchair or other mobility device to pass through the doorway. (See Part 2 of this document for tips on taking measurements.) Door hardware must be useable with one hand without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist, so that it is operable by someone with limited mobility in their hands. Doors may not have high thresholds that impede voters who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices in crossing the threshold. Inaccessible entrances must have signs directing voters to the accessible entrance. The accessible entrance must remain unlocked at all times the polling place is open.

Building entrance requirements are in Section D of the 2016 Checklist found in Part 3 of this document.

Solutions for Accessibility: Problems Involving the Building Entrance

Problem One: One or two steps at the entrance prevent access.

Solution: If another entrance is accessible and on an accessible route from parking, passenger drop-off sites, or public transportation stops, designate it as the accessible entrance. If the main entrance is not accessible, install a directional sign at the main entrance directing voters with disabilities to the accessible entrance. Keep the accessible entrance unlocked during all voting hours. If another accessible entrance is not available, install a temporary ramp at the main entrance.

Accessible entrance to polling place with signs directing voters to the accessible entrance

Problem Two: The entrance door threshold is one inch high.

Solution:  Short ramps or wedges may be used on both sides of the threshold to allow a voter in a wheelchair to pass over the threshold.

Problem Three: The entrance doors are narrow double leaf doors that are normally opened by an automatic door opener but it is not working on Election Day.

Solution:  Keep both doors propped open, station volunteers near the doors to open them for voters while the polling place is open, or provide a temporary doorbell to notify officials that the door needs to be opened in a timely manner.

Problem Four:  The entrance door has a door knob and/or latch that requires tight pinching and twisting and is not accessible.

Solution: There are four typical solutions: add an accessible pull or handle and leave the door unlatched; install fully accessible door hardware; leave the door propped open; or provide a temporary doorbell to notify officials that the door needs to be opened in a timely manner.

Examples of accessible door hardware