OCTOBER 28, 2009

Projects improve access for voters with disabilities

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land announced today that two communities in Lapeer County are receiving funding to improve polling place access.

The city of Lapeer is receiving $7,057 for a new access ramp and exterior path of travel improvements to Trinity United Methodist Church. Elba Township is receiving $9,225 to replace sidewalks outside the Elba Township Hall.

"We're pleased to award these funds to both Lapeer County communities," 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."

"I was very pleased that the city was awarded grant funding to improve accessibility to a polling location," said Lapeer city clerk Donna Cronce. "This will ensure that the collective voice of all our voters will be counted, including individuals with disabilities."

"It was a great opportunity to improve the polling place to better ensure the safety of the voters and all residents visiting the township hall," said Brenda Johnson, Elba Township clerk. "I want to applaud deputy clerk Beverly Nieznay-Laidler for her hard work in securing these funds."

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."