AUGUST 22, 2007

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land invites communities to apply for funding under a successful grant program that improves polling place access for voters with disabilities.

More than $555,000 has been awarded to over 100 communities since Land unveiled the Improving Access for All program in 2005. The program reimburses communities for their precinct enhancement projects. Nearly $700,000 is still available for the next grant award phase. The application deadline is Oct. 8.

"The state of Michigan and its local partners are committed to protecting the rights of all voters," said Land, Michigan's chief election officer. "Too often, though, physical conditions at some precincts pose barriers to members of the disability community. That's why this program is so worthwhile. It eases the financial strain on municipalities by reimbursing them for making needed polling place upgrades. We will continue working with local election officials and disability community advocates to ensure that all eligible voters are free to participate in our democratic process."

The funds help communities meet the basic requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Communities apply to the Department of State after completing a survey of their precinct accessibility needs. Michigan Protection & Advocacy Services (MPAS) volunteers work with local election officials to coordinate the surveys.

"MPAS has been pleased to work with Secretary Land and local election officials over the past several years to increase accessibility at the polls," said Tom Masseau, MPAS government and media relations director. "Through these efforts, the traditional barriers faced by voters with disabilities are now starting to come down. We encourage all local clerks to continue to take advantage of the dollars available to ensure that voters with disabilities have the opportunity to participate equally in the electoral process."

Most of the work involves improvements to parking areas, passenger drop-off sites, interior and exterior paths of travel, building entrances and voting areas. The program is funded through the federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA). The money is made available to states by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

For more information, including a copy of the application, visit the Department of State Web site at www.Michigan.gov/sos. Click on "Elections in Michigan" and "Information for Election Administrators."