Board of Elections Statement on Settlement with US Department of Justice

Cobb Board of Elections and Registration Reaches Settlement with the Department of Justice to Improve Polling Site Accessibility for People with Disabilities

Marietta, GA (Sept. 19, 2024) - The Cobb County Board of Elections and Registration has unanimously approved a settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to ensure that all polling places comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and are accessible to individuals with disabilities.

The settlement follows the DOJ's review of multiple Cobb County polling sites during recent elections, including the March 2024 primary. Under the terms of the agreement, the county will conduct a comprehensive review of all polling locations to assess ADA compliance.

"The majority of the 12 polling sites reviewed by the DOJ earlier this year are churches, which are not legally required to meet ADA standards," said Elections Director Tate Fall. "That presents a challenge in ensuring that all 148 precincts are compliant, but we have already started to work with the county to make the necessary changes."

"The Cobb Board of Elections is committed to ensuring that elections are fully accessible to all Cobb registered voters," said Board of Elections Chair Tori Silas. "Upon learning in July of the past site reviews and the one conducted earlier this year, the Board has partnered with Director Fall and our counsel, Daniel White, to work with the DOJ to understand what modifications are needed and reach this settlement."

As part of the settlement, the Board of Elections and Registration will collaborate with the county to ensure all county-owned facilities are ADA-compliant. For locations not owned by the county, the Board will implement temporary measures to ensure accessibility. These may include portable ramps, traffic cones, signs, wedges, and door stops.

While the agreement does not require the relocation of polling sites for the November 2024 General Election, any future changes will also be reported to the DOJ as part of the settlement.