Essential Polling Place Accessibility Features

Every eligible voter in St. Clair County deserves equal access to the polls — regardless of age, disability, or mobility. Federal law under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) sets minimum accessibility standards for polling places, but Gary Hursey believes we can and should do better than the minimum.

Required Accessibility Features

• Accessible parking spaces close to the entrance
• Ramps or step-free access to the building entrance
• Wide doorways and clear pathways inside the polling place
• At least one accessible voting booth at an appropriate height
• Accessible voting equipment with audio and tactile options for voters with visual impairments
• Curbside voting for voters who cannot enter the building

Common Gaps in St. Clair County

Despite these requirements, accessibility complaints at polling places remain common across Illinois. Temporary ramps that are unstable, parking lots that are too far from entrances, and poll workers who are not trained to assist voters with disabilities are recurring problems. Gary Hursey will conduct a full accessibility audit of every polling place in St. Clair County and publish the results publicly.

Gary's Commitment

No voter should have to fight to exercise their right to vote. Gary will work with building owners, county facilities staff, and disability advocacy groups to ensure that every polling place in St. Clair County meets or exceeds ADA standards — and that poll workers are trained to assist every voter with dignity and respect.