Title II ADA Web Accessibility Guide for Voting Poll Websites
Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires state and local governments to ensure that their programs and services are accessible to individuals with disabilities, including voting sites and their associated websites.
It’s important to ensure that voting registration and information websites are accessible to all voters, including those with disabilities, so they can fully participate in the electoral process. Following Title II ADA regulations is crucial for polling places to provide people with disabilities with information about their nearest voting site, important dates about upcoming elections, and necessary details about candidates and voting procedures, helping individuals make informed decisions.
EcomBack has created a guide that offers a comprehensive overview of these requirements. By following these guidelines, voting sites can guarantee accessibility to all users, including those with disabilities, thus meeting the requirements of Title II of the ADA and promoting an inclusive electoral process.
Step 1: Learn About Title II of the ADA to Ensure Voting Website Accessibility
In April 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) proposed specific regulations under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which included technical requirements for achieving digital accessibility. Learn more about the DOJ’s official rule here.
Title II of the ADA mandates state and local government entities have ADA compliant websites and mobile applications. Digital platforms must adhere to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), a globally recognized framework for making online content accessible to individuals with disabilities. You can read more about WCAG 2.1. Level AA standards in our other blogs.
All voting websites across the country are required to comply with Title II as they offer educational resources about the voting process, the importance of voting, and how to address any issues that may arise. Examples of different online electoral services include election information portals, voter registration sites, and websites where voters can submit absentee and mail-in voting applications.
Various parties have a role in making sure that poll websites are accessible to voters with disabilities. This includes:
- Electoral boards that oversee the election process
- County officials that manage elections at the county level
- Local government officials or municipal officials who manage local elections
Step 2: Follow ADA Standards for Voting Poll Websites
To achieve ADA web compliance, electoral boards, county officials, and local officials should ensure that their websites are accessible to people with disabilities. This includes using alternative text for images, providing captions for multimedia, having a navigable website when using only a keyboard, and making sure that the website supports screen readers. It’s also important to use clear and simple language and design the website with an easy-to-navigate layout.
Online voting compliance is not only a legal necessity but also a moral imperative. Non-compliance can lead to legal action and, more importantly, it can create barriers for voters with disabilities, hindering their ability to participate in the electoral process. By abiding by the requirements, polling sites can develop a digital experience that is more accommodating and user-friendly for all citizens.
Step 3: Contact an ADA Consultant Such As EcomBack
EcomBack is dedicated to ensuring websites adhere to ADA compliance standards with our tailored services, covering all aspects of web accessibility.
We can offer the following Web ADA Accessibility Services:
- Audits: We look for barriers on your website to make sure everyone can access your content.
- Remediation: Our developers fix issues to meet ADA and WCAG standards for an all-around inclusive online experience.
- Continuous Testing & Monitoring: We regularly test and monitor your website to meet Title II ADA guidelines.
EcomBack belongs to the W3C and the International Association of Accessibility Professionals. Visit our website for more details, and contact an EcomBack expert today.
Take the first step towards a more accessible and inclusive website today!
