JANUARY 28, 2009

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land announced today that the city of Lansing is receiving $9,362 to improve polling place access at 25 polling places.

Officials improved parking using signs and cones, installed outdoor ramps for easier building access and installed election alert systems so that voters with disabilities approaching a polling location can indicate they need assistance.

"We're pleased to award these funds to the city of Lansing," said Land, Michigan's chief election officer. "These funds will ensure that all voters, including voters with disabilities, have easier access to their polling locations. I applaud Lansing for making these improvements."

This money is awarded through Michigan's Improving Access for All program, which reimburses communities for precinct enhancement projects. Nearly $700,000 has been awarded to over 100 communities since Land unveiled the program in 2005. Past projects include sidewalk installation, upgrades to exterior pathways, accessible parking space signage and doorways that better accommodate voters with disabilities.

"It is important that all voters have equal access to exercise their right to vote," said Chris Swope, Lansing city clerk. "This program is a great step in ensuring people with disabilities can get to the polls on Election Day."

The program is funded through the Help America Vote Act (HAVA). The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services makes the money available to states so that they may meet the basic requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Communities apply to the Department of State after completing a survey of their precinct accessibility needs. Volunteers with the Michigan Protection & Advocacy Service assist local election officials with the surveys.

"MPAS is pleased to see the state honoring its commitment to improve the accessibility of elections," said Tom Masseau, MPAS government and media relations director. "The removal of physical barriers is essential to ensuring that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to participate in the electoral process. We look forward to continued collaboration with local and state election officials as we work to improve access to the ballot for all Michigan citizens."

For more information, visit the Department of State Web site at www.Michigan.gov/sos. Click on "Elections in Michigan" and "Information for Election Administrators." The document is titled, "Polling Place Improvement Grant Program."