Hudson and Morris Counties Settle with U.S. Attorney’s Office Over ADA Violations at Polling Places

MORRISTOWN, NJ - The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey has secured agreements with the Hudson and Morris County Boards of Elections to address and improve accessibility at polling places for voters with disabilities, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.

The agreements stem from federal investigations that identified architectural barriers at several polling places in both counties, rendering them not fully compliant with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Title II prohibits state and local governments from discriminating on the basis of disability in programs and services, including voting access.

Key Provisions of the Agreements

Under the settlement agreements, the counties will implement the following measures to ensure compliance:

• Temporary Accessibility Solutions: Temporary fixes, such as portable ramps and signage, will be used to address accessibility issues at existing polling places.
• Poll Worker Training: Poll workers will receive training on the ADA’s accessibility requirements, the proper use of temporary measures, and procedures for surveying polling locations on Election Day to ensure accessibility.
• Ongoing Monitoring and Support: The U.S. Attorney’s Office will monitor the counties’ compliance with the agreements and provide technical assistance to help maintain accessibility standards.

The Boards of Elections in both counties cooperated fully with the investigations and have committed to making the necessary improvements.

“Ensuring that all eligible citizens can participate in the voting process is one of the most fundamental elements of our democracy. Voters with disabilities have a right to vote at their local polling places free from barriers to physical accessibility. Our office remains committed to using every tool available to ensure that all eligible New Jersey voters can cast their ballot without barriers,” said U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.

Reporting and Resources

Individuals who believe they have experienced discrimination can file complaints with the U.S. Attorney’s Office through its Civil Rights Enforcement page or by calling the Civil Rights Complaint Hotline at (855) 281-3339.

For more information about the ADA and accessibility requirements, visit www.ada.gov or contact the Department of Justice’s toll-free information lines at (800) 514-0301 (voice) and (800) 514-0383 (TDD).

This resolution ensures that voters with disabilities in Hudson and Morris counties can exercise their right to vote without facing undue barriers, reinforcing the importance of accessible elections for all.

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