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June 12, 2015
 Polling Place Evaluation Series
This article is the fourth in a series of articles geared toward the polling place and accessibility.
The odd year is a good time to take a look at your polling locations and determine if improvements need to be made or a new facility should be found. The polling place is a vital part to a successful election, especially a large turnout election like the November 2016 Presidential election.
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Temporary Precinct Consolidations
When considering new polling locations, it's good to remember that in non-state and federal elections, precincts may be consolidated by the Election Commission.
Some important tips:
- If multiple precincts (up to 6) are already in the same polling location, voters do not have to be noticed.
- Consolidated precincts may have up to 5,000 active registered voters.
- The Election Commission must approve the consolidation at least 60 days prior to an election.
Placing more than one precinct in a polling location can save significant time, money, and resources for smaller special elections.
Precincts not in the same polling locations may also be combined but voters must be sent a notice of the change each time. See Chapter 14 - Election Officials' Manual for more information.
 *click the picture for a larger image
Accessibility - Ramps
ADA standards for interior and exterior ramps are very specific. Review the Polling Place Accessibility Worksheet to ensure your ramps are fully compliant. A fully complaint ramp has:
- a slope no greater than 1" of vertical height for every 12" of length
- at least 36" of width
- a level landing at the top and bottom of each ramp section that is at least 60" long
- if more than 30 ft long, "a level landing at least 60" long provided for every 30 ft of horizontal length
- a level landing at least 60" by 60" provided where a ramp changes direction
- handrails mounted between 34" and 38" above the ramp surface
- edge protection if the ramp or landing has a vertical drop off on any side
An Accessible Ramp Flyer is available for educational purposes.
If your polling location is deficient in any of the areas above, remember, Michigan’s cities and townships can recover the costs they incur in making their polling places ADA compliant through the Polling Place Accessibility Improvement Program, a federal grant program (funded through the Help America Vote Act). A new application period is now open through July 1, 2015. For more information, visit the eLearning Center to view the instructions, application, and polling place accessibility worksheet.
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