(Bismarck, ND) In the United States, 1 in 6 eligible voters have a disability. Federal law mandates that voters with disabilities have the same opportunity to vote as people without disabilities. This includes ensuring physical accessibility at poll sites. The North Dakota Protection & Advocacy Project (P&A) partnered with the North Dakota Centers for Independent Living to examine poll site accessibility leading up to the 2026 election cycle.
The purpose of this project was to assess and identify improvements for poll site accessibility. Eighty-seven (87) voting sites, spanning twenty-nine (29) counties were surveyed across North Dakota. Accessibility surveys were conducted at municipal, county, and privately owned locations used for voting.
A public report released today identifies that many sites had at least one barrier that could limit access for voters with disabilities. Overall, parking was identified as the biggest accessibility challenge, with an average compliance rate of 66 percent. Photos and surveys for each location are available upon request. The full report is available at https://www.ndpanda.org/resources/voting
The right to vote for all citizens, especially those with disabilities, is critical, with every ballot cast being an opportunity to shape our communities. P&A recognizes the North Dakota Secretary of State’s Office and county auditors who diligently work each day to ensure North Dakotans can participate in the electoral process.
The North Dakota Protection & Advocacy Project is a federally mandated, independent state agency established in 1977 to advance the human and legal rights of people with disabilities. P&A’s mission is to champion the equality and inclusion of people with disabilities where we live, work, and play.