OCTOBER 21, 2009

Project improves access for voters with disabilities

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land announced today that Fulton Township in Gratiot County is receiving $4,080 to improve polling place access to the Fulton Township Hall.

Township officials installed a system that allows voters with disabilities to open polling place doors automatically at the push of a button.

"We're pleased to award these funds to Fulton Township," said Land, Michigan's chief election officer. "This ensures that every person who wants to cast a ballot has the opportunity to do so in a fully accessible polling place. It also eases the financial burden on communities in tough budget times. I applaud the township for making these improvements and for being such an outstanding partner."

"In 2005 when the grants first became available through the Help America Vote Act, Fulton Township applied for parking lot improvements such as accessible parking spaces, paving, striping and signage, which was a great benefit for the voters," said Diane Ruedger, Fulton Township clerk. "This year when the funds became available again, we decided that automatic door openers would help voters in wheelchairs and using walkers. Fulton Township Hall is also a Senior Center for the Commission on Aging, and the seniors love the new automation."

This money is awarded through Michigan's Improving Access for All program, which reimburses communities for polling place enhancement projects. Nearly $800,000 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.

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 polling place 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."