MARCH 28, 2008

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today announced that Marshall Township in Calhoun County is receiving $18,250 to improve polling place access for voters with disabilities.

The funds are awarded under Michigan's Improving Access for All program, which reimburses communities for their precinct enhancement projects.

"We're pleased to work with Marshall Township to protect the rights of local voters," said Land, Michigan's chief election officer. "Eliminating physical barriers to the polling place ensures that every voter who wants to cast a ballot has that opportunity. This is especially important to members of the disability community. I applaud the township for its commitment to improving polling place accessibility and for being such an outstanding partner."

Township Clerk Cynthia Sink welcomed Land's announcement.

"A healthy democracy needs strong voter participation," Sink said. "We're committed to ensuring that all eligible township residents can visit the polls on Election Day. Secretary Land's support allows us to reach that goal. We appreciate the work of everyone involved and look forward to serving Marshall Township voters at this polling site for years to come."

The project includes adding an automatic opening door at the Township Hall and enclosing the entrance, as well as upgrading the exterior path of travel.

More than $600,000 has been awarded to over 100 communities since Land unveiled the Improving Access for All program in 2005. The program reimburses communities for their precinct enhancement projects.

The funds help communities 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. Michigan Protection & Advocacy Service (MPAS) volunteers work with local election officials to coordinate 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 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."

The program is funded through the federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA). The money is made available to states by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Typical projects involve improvements to parking areas, passenger drop-off sites, interior and exterior paths of travel, building entrances and voting areas.

For more information, including a program application, visit the Department of State Web site at www.Michigan.gov/sos. Click on "Elections in Michigan" and "Information for Election Administrators."