11/02/2026
Does my polling place need to be accessible?
It depends, but whether a polling place is located at a local library, school, fire station, church, or other designated location, qualified people with disabilities must have equal access to vote, even if the location is not fully accessible.
The 2010 ADA Standards contain requirements for temporary and permanent structures in the built environment. At a polling place, this could apply to parking facilities, curb ramps, entrances/doorways, restrooms, waiting areas, ballot boxes, and other physical elements of the space. Some older facilities and elements that existed prior to the ADA may not meet the 2010 ADA Standards if they have not been altered since the law went into effect.
Even if a polling place is not accessible, Title II of the ADA still protects people with disabilities from program discrimination. Under this requirement, state and local government programs—when viewed in their entirety—must be accessible to people with disabilities, even if their facilities are not accessible.
Accessibility is about more than physical access. Under the ADA, election officials must ensure that communication with people with disabilities throughout the voting process is as effective as communication with others.
Learn more: bit.ly/4zTYQKC
