When most people are on their way to vote they are only thinking about who to vote for as they arrive at their polling site. However, for many people with disabilities, the questions on their minds also include, “Can I even get in?”, and if I do, “Will the voting booth be accessible to me?”
During the 2017 Primary and General Elections, DRNY surveyed polling sites in over a dozen counties in New York State.Take a look at our reports on
NYC,
Erie and
Wyoming
County polling sites.
DRNY found a variety of access barriers, including blocked paths to voting booths.Voter privacy was compromised because the screens on the voting machines were clearly visible to other people.
In New York City, 68% of the polling places surveyed were inaccessible. Although they have a plan to address accessibility issues, they need to accelerate and enhance their efforts.
In Erie County, 92% of the polling places surveyed by DRNY were inaccessible. Incredibly, Erie County’s compliance is worse than the previous year when 84% of sites surveyed were inaccessible.
Wyoming County was in violation at 100% of its polling sites surveyed. DRNY received feedback from Wyoming County stating
“We are working with Independent Living along with all of our polling sites to ensure that all polling sites within Wyoming County are accessible. We have surveyed the sites and are going to be in contact with the towns regarding changes that need to be made.”
If you encountered barriers to voting access, please contact DRNY so we can ensure voting access for all.
