BELL COUNTY, Texas — Bell County got dinged by the federal government for accessibility issues at polling places earlier this summer. With the General Election fast approaching, 6 News looked into how the election office will meet the Department of Justice's demands and requests.
"The Department of Justice came in and did a comprehensive inspection of our polling sites, so now we are on the back side of our settlement agreement between the Department of Justice and Bell County," said Dr. Desi Roberts, the Bell County Election Administrator. "I mean our priority has always been accessibility, so any outside agency or any help we can get to help us meet that compliance, it's always welcome."
Under a settlement agreement, Bell County election offices will have some new measures in place to ensure ADA compliancy. Voters will see more cones, more platforms, more directional signs and more dedicated parking areas. Roberts said in some cases you may see a change in entrance or exits of polling sites, too.
There will also be people in bright orange vests during election season. They will say "EDS" on the back, meaning "election day surveyors".
"Those are the individuals who go around and make sure that the polling sites remain in compliance throughout election day," Roberts explained.
The enhancements do come with a cost, but Roberts said the constitutional right is paramount.
"The County has allocated up to $94,000 for remediation measures, so they also are making sure that we have all the resources necessary for both running the elections and early voting," Roberts added. "I think that it should show the commitment and dedication for the county we have in making sure elections throughout the county is not just secure, safe, transparent and accurate."
The Bell County election administrator said safety is also important for him and his team.
"It means that we are making sure we are spending the same type of effort and tenacity to make sure the accessibility is a priority for us," Roberts said.
For voters with a disability that choose not to vote by mail, curbside voting will be available at all 42 polling sites. You can ask for priority check-in if you choose to be in line as well.
You must be registered to vote by Oct. 7.