N.J. Admin. Code § 15:10-6.8

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 19, October 7, 2024

Section 15:10-6.8 - Polling place accessibility standards

(a) The polling place accessibility standards shall be based upon and be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. §§ 1201 et seq.

(b) While accessible parking spaces for each polling location are desirable, the absence of such spaces is not a condition of accessibility. Where such spaces are required to be provided, such parking spaces shall conform to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. §§ 1201 et seq.

1. Parking spaces for individuals with a disability shall be located as close as possible to elevators, ramps, walkways, and the accessible entrance they serve. Parking spaces shall be as level as possible. Each parking space shall be identified with an above grade sign displaying the International Symbol of Accessibility and appropriate wordage.

2. In all configurations, to the degree feasible, accessible parking spaces shall be located so that individuals with a disability are not compelled to wheel or walk behind parked cars. Additionally, in all configurations, ramps or curb ramps shall be provided to permit individuals with a disability access from the parking lot level to the servicing walkway. A curb ramp shall never be located where it would be blocked by a parked vehicle. In all configurations, provisions such as curb or bumpers should be included to prevent parked vehicles from blocking accessible walkways.

3. In the event that a polling location does not have permanent accessible parking spaces, temporary spaces can be designated for use by individuals with disabilities. All such temporary accessible spaces shall be clearly marked for use only by individuals with disabilities and all such spaces shall be located near an accessible polling place entrance.

4. In the event that off street metered parking is provided, such accessible parking spaces shall be reserved for individuals with disabilities by installing a meter cap over the meter. Such spaces should also be clearly marked for use only by individuals with disabilities.

(c) Accessible routes of travel are continuous, unobstructed paths connecting all accessible elements and spaces that can be negotiated by an individual with a disability. Exterior accessible routes may include parking access aisles, curb ramps, walks, ramps, and lifts. Interior accessible routes may include corridors, floors, ramps, elevators, lifts, and clear floor space at fixtures. The standards for accessible routes shall conform to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. §§ 1201 et seq.

(d) All ramps and curb ramps on accessible routes shall comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. §§ 1201 et seq., except those curb cuts or curb ramps constructed within a public street. These structures shall meet the requirements of the respective public, city, county, or State agency having jurisdiction.

(e) Accessible entrances shall conform to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. §§ 1201 et seq.

1. All accessible entrances shall be identified by the "International Symbol of Accessibility".

2. Doors should be easily opened by individuals with a disability and the elderly. Handles, pulls, latch sets, and other operating hardware that are easy to grasp with one hand and do not require twisting of the wrist, tight grasping, or tight pinching to operate shall be provided. If possible, exterior doors and non-fire doors which are difficult to open should be propped or tied open during voting hours.

3. In the event that an elevator is to be used, its doors, interior and controls shall conform to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. §§ 1201 et seq.

4. Should the main entrance to a polling place be inaccessible, an accessible alternative entrance may be used. All such alternative entrances, however, shall conform to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. §§ 1201 et seq. Signs informing voters of an alternative accessible entrance shall be clearly posted and shall display the "International Symbol of Accessibility" as well as appropriate wordage to include "ACCESSIBLE ENTRANCE". To be effective, either arrows or hands shall be used to direct voters to accessible entrances.

(f) Accessible interior routes may include corridors, floors, ramps, elevators, lifts and clear floor space to fixtures. All such accessible route shall conform to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. §§ 1201 et seq.

(g) Interior routes to voting machines that are in excess of 50 feet shall provide a chair(s) in order to provide individuals with a disability and the elderly a resting stop. Such chairs, however, shall not project into the minimum required clear widths.

N.J. Admin. Code § 15:10-6.8

Amended by 48 N.J.R. 808(a), effective 5/16/2016