Cahill Poll Site Access Bill Passes Assembly

Legislation requires all polling places in New York comply with the with the Americans with Disabilities Act

May 21, 2008

The Assembly has once again passed legislation (A.244-A) authored by Assemblymember Kevin Cahill (D-Ulster, Dutchess), ensuring poll site access. The bill requires that every voting location in New York be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

“Our efforts to implement the Help America Vote Act in New York were intended to protect the voting rights of all citizens. It is unscrupulous that nearly two decades after the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, some polling sites in New York are still inaccessible to citizens with disabilities,” said Mr. Cahill. “We are not only required by law, but we also have a moral obligation to ensure access for all voters.”

The legislation, carried in the Senate by Senator William Larkin, creates a clear standard that all polling locations must be accessible to citizens with disabilities in accordance with the guidelines established through the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and New York State Uniform Fire and Building Codes. The bill repeals an outdated waiver process that allows for the continued usage of sites that are not ADA compliant.

“I am proud to be able to work with Senator Larkin to ensure that every citizen, regardless of their physical stature, has the same ability and right to vote,” said Assemblymember Cahill. “Especially in this time of war, it is unconscionable that some our returning wounded veterans might not have access to their polling sites.”

The bill has unanimously passed the Assembly for six consecutive sessions. S.6311 has been passed by the Senate Elections committee and is currently awaiting vote by the full body.

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