The Cobb County Board of Elections and Registration and the US Department of Justice have reached an accord, one that stipulates certain enhancements be implemented to make voting locations more accessible to individuals with disabilities. This decision comes on the heels of a DOJ review of several polling sites during the elections, pinpointing particularly the March 2024 primary as a time of interest.
In pursuit of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), all Cobb County's polling places are to undergo thorough evaluations. According to a public statement released by the county, the biggest hurdle seems to stem from the fact that a majority of the scrutinized precincts are hosted within churches, which typically fall outside the legal purview of the ADA. "The majority of the 12 polling sites reviewed by the DOJ earlier this year are churches, which are not legally required to meet ADA standards," detailed Elections Director Tate Fall. The implication here being that accommodations at those locales demands additional effort.
What the settlement entails is a concerted collaboration between the Board and Cobb County to ensure facilities owned by the county meet ADA standards. For non-county venues, provisional measures are on the table. Board of Elections Chair Tori Silas emphasized the commitment to voters, saying, "The Cobb Board of Elections is committed to ensuring that elections are fully accessible to all Cobb registered voters." They continued, explaining their proactive approach once the DOJ's assessments came to light: "Upon learning in July of the past site reviews and the one conducted earlier this year, the Board has partnered with Director Fall and our counsel, Daniel White, to work with the DOJ to understand what modifications are needed and reach this settlement."
While the settlement doesn't command the reshuffling of polling places for the upcoming November 2024 General Election, the County has been transparent in its intention to report any future changes to the DOJ. This paints a picture of an ongoing, adaptive approach to voter accessibility, illustrating a dedication to both the spirit and the letter of the law.
