Cahill:  "moral imperative"

ALBANY - The Assembly has passed legislation drafted by Assemblyman Kevin Cahill of Kingston that would ensure poll site access. This is the seventh year that the bill made if through that house, but not the Senate.

The bill requires that every voting location in New York be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

“It has been nearly two decades since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, yet some polling sites in New York are still inaccessible to citizens with disabilities,” said Cahill. “Implementing the Help America Vote Act was intended to protect the voting rights of all citizens. It is not only a legal obligation, but also our moral imperative to ensure access for every voter.”

The legislation would create a clear standard that all polling locations must be accessible to citizens with disabilities in accordance with the guidelines of the ADA. The bill would repeal an outdated waiver process that allows for the continued usage of sites that are not ADA compliant.

“Particularly during this time of heightened overseas conflict, it is unacceptable that some of our wounded returning veterans might not have access to their polling sites,” said Cahill. “I am proud to partner with the Catskill Center for Independence to make certain that every citizen, regardless of their physical stature, has the same ability and right to vote.”

The bill has unanimously passed the Assembly for seven consecutive sessions. The senate is expected to take up the measure this year.