As we prepare for the upcoming election, every citizen’s equal access to polling locations is more crucial than ever. For voters with disabilities, accessibility can be the difference between being able to cast a ballot or contenting with barriers to exercising their right to vote.

STV has been at the forefront of addressing these challenges through recent work in McLennan County and across Texas. In addition to ADA compliance, the state of Texas implemented the Texas’ Architectural Barriers Act, with robust compliance standards that build upon the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act, and the accompanying ADA Accessibility Guidelines.

Polling locations, by their nature, often present unique accessibility challenges. Many are housed in older buildings—such as churches or schools—that were not originally designed to meet modern accessibility standards. While certain areas of these buildings may be exempt from certain ADA requirements under normal circumstances, they must be brought up to code when serving as polling places.

This means incorporating features like accessible parking, ramps, and handrails so voters with disabilities can navigate the space safely.

One of the key challenges we encounter is the accessibility of parking lots. Many polling sites are in locations where the grading or slope that make it difficult for individuals using wheelchairs or walkers to navigate. In these cases, we work closely with our stakeholders to find the most economical solutions—whether that means re-grading certain areas or reallocating parking spaces to provide a more level, accessible option.

This work is exemplified in STV’s survey to upgrade polling locations across McLennan County. Starting from a comprehensive list of designated sites, our team conducted detailed assessments, identifying barriers such as steep ramps, insufficient parking, and inaccessible doorways. We developed recommendations for both temporary and permanent solutions, depending on each site’s intended use.

STV’s expertise in ADA compliance stems from our long-standing work in accessibility across a range of civic projects. In McLennan County, we partnered with the client to address accessibility issues in courtrooms, chambers, and other municipal buildings after the Department of Justice issued a directive to mitigate barriers. Through our design and engineering services, we were able to bring these spaces up to compliance, enhancing access for all residents. Today, we are spearheading the County’s effort to improve the accessibility in their records building.

With election day fast approaching, now is the time to ensure that all polling places are accessible to every voter. Equal access is not just a legal requirement—it’s a civic duty, and I’m proud to play a part in supporting voter turnout so all members of the community feel welcome and able to participate in the electoral process.