The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey has reached agreements with the Hudson and Morris County Boards of Election to ensure accessible polling places for voters with disabilities. This development was announced by U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger.
The agreement addresses findings from investigations into both counties' adherence to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits disability-based discrimination in state or local government programs or services. The investigation revealed architectural barriers at several polling locations that hindered accessibility for disabled voters.
Both county election boards cooperated fully with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to formulate these agreements, aimed at enhancing physical accessibility at polling sites.
"Ensuring that all eligible citizens can participate in the voting process is one of the most fundamental elements of our democracy," stated U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger. "Voters with disabilities have a right to vote at their local polling places free from barriers to physical accessibility."
Under the settlement, temporary measures such as portable ramps and signage will be employed where necessary to make existing polling sites accessible. Additionally, poll workers will receive training on ADA accessibility requirements, implementing temporary measures, and assessing polling site accessibility on Election Day. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will oversee compliance and offer technical assistance.
Senior Civil Rights Counsel Kelly Horan Florio and Assistant U.S. Attorney Thandiwe Boylan represent the United States in this matter.
Individuals who believe they have experienced discrimination can file a complaint through http://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/civil-rights-enforcement/complaint or contact the Civil Rights Complaint Hotline at (855) 281-3339. Further information about ADA is available at www.ada.gov or via the Department of Justice's toll-free line at (800) 514-0301 and (800) 514-0383 (TDD).