HAYS COUNTY, Texas – Exciting news out of Hays County as they have reached an agreement with the United States following an investigation into providing accessible polling for voters with disabilities.

According to U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza, Hays County is now in compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, ensuring that there is no discrimination based on disability by local or state governments in any of their services.

In 2023, the Department of Justice visited 14 polling places during the runoff election to assess their accessibility. The United States found that certain barriers made the polling places inaccessible to voters with disabilities.

These barriers included a lack of parking, steeply sloped ramps (some without handrails), numerous level changes, protruding objects, and no knee and toe clearance at otherwise accessible voting machines.

“The right to vote is a cornerstone of our democracy and must not be diminished or restricted,” said Esparza. “People with disabilities are entitled to equal opportunity and full inclusion at the ballot box.”

Under the settlement, Hays County will work with an accessibility expert and evaluation team to ensure that all polling places, both now and in the future, meet ADA guidelines. Additionally, all poll workers and election staff will be trained on ADA requirements.

“With this agreement, eligible voters with disabilities in Hays County will be able to exercise their fundamental right to vote and participate in our democracy. Our office is dedicated to ensuring that all eligible Americans have access to the ballot,” said Esparza.

For more information about the ADA, visit ADA.gov, or call the Department of Justice’s toll-free information line at (800) 514-0301 or (800) 514-0383 (TDD). Instructions for filing a complaint online can be found here.