This report was produced prior to the passing of the Help America Vote Act of 2002, and many of its findings were used to guide that Act. For instances in which an accessible voting place is not available, alternative methods for voting are suggested. These include options such as curbside polling, absentee voting, and Internet voting. Advantages and disadvantages associated with each alternative method are discussed.
This report includes:
- Analysis of state laws and written policies
- Report on visiting a random sample of polling places
- Interviews with poll workers
- Identification of accommodations available
Based on a survey and visits to polling places in 2000, they concluded that of polling places in the US:
- 16% have no potential impediments
- 56% have potential impediments but offer curbside voting
- 28% have potential impediments but do not offer curbside voting
None of the polling places they visited had special ballots or voting equipment adapted for blind voters.
They note that “The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) also applies to voting. Title II of the ADA and implementing regulations require that people with disabilities have access to basic public services, including the right to vote; however, it does not strictly require that all polling place sites be accessible” because it allows reasonable accommodation.
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