In a move prioritizing accessibility for all, Hays County officials have restructured several voting locations to align with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Hays County Commissioners Court came to a consensus last Tuesday, confirming that certain polling places were not up to par when it came to accessibility standards for individuals with disabilities.
Jennifer Doinoff, Hays County Elections Administrator, highlighted the need for changes, saying, according to Hays County, "Many of the issues cited include slopes of parking lots that exceed the maximum requirements, and changes in foundation levels that cause barriers to voters with disabilities.” She noted difficulties with pathways leading from public rights-of-way to the voting sites as a driving factor in the decision. These issues call for immediate action, considering early voting commenced on October 20 and will continue through to October 31.
Adjustments to these sites are expected to provide equal access for all voters, ensuring that those with disabilities can cast their ballots as independently as any other voter. The modifications include Sunfield Station's shift to the Holiday Inn Express located right next door, the Dripping Springs Learning Center's relocation to Patriots Hall Wellness Center, and the shuttering of the Driftwood Community Center as a voting venue.
Doinoff emphasized their commitment to inclusivity: "It’s important to comply with ADA standards to ensure that voters with disabilities have every opportunity to vote in-person independently, like all other voters,” as reported by the Hays County official website. The county also plans to address these locations' compliance issues to reintroduce them for future elections. For more information on the updated voting locations, residents can visit the Hays County Elections website.
