Harris County has been facing a lawsuit by the U.S. Justice Department over polling stations that don’t comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Now, the federal government is dropping the suit under a settlement with the county.
The Justice Department investigated Harris County polling locations in both 2014 and 2016. In each case, it found multiple sites with architectural barriers violating the ADA, ranging from steep curb ramps to locked gates.
“For a period of four years, there will be regular inspections made, and the Department of Justice will work with Harris County and Harris County will work with the Department of Justice to make sure that these goals are being met,” said First Assistant County Attorney Robert Soard.
The settlement requires Harris County to re-survey all of its polling locations, in order to ensure the sites are accessible to voters with disabilities.