The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) lawsuit filed against Los Angeles County alleges that the county discriminated against individuals with disabilities at various vote centers during recent elections in Pasadena, North Hollywood, Downey, and Watts. Federal prosecutors claim that the county excluded qualified individuals with mobility disabilities and those with vision disabilities from voting, violating the ADA. The lawsuit seeks a court order to compel the county to comply with the ADA, address the alleged violations, and prevent further discrimination against individuals with disabilities.
In response to the allegations, Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk Dean C. Logan denied the findings and claims in the complaint. He expressed disappointment that federal prosecutors abruptly ended negotiations and proceeded with the lawsuit despite the county’s efforts to address ADA violations at the vote centers. Logan emphasized that the allegations do not reflect the voting model or service delivery provided by Los Angeles County. However, he assured that the county remains committed to addressing accessibility issues and preserving the improvements made for voters with disabilities and specific needs.
The lawsuit argues that the county is responsible for selecting and providing accessible facilities for polling places or vote centers in federal, state, and local elections. The U.S. Attorney’s Office surveyed over 250 polling places and vote centers during the June 2016, March 2020, and November 2020 elections, finding that only a small percentage of them complied with the ADA.
Despite federal alerts about accessibility deficiencies dating back to September 2016, certain vote centers in Pasadena, North Hollywood, Downey, and Watts, identified as non-compliant, are still in use. Additionally, issues with ballot drop boxes during the November 2020 and November 2022 general elections were also identified.
U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada emphasized the importance of ensuring equal voting opportunities for all individuals and stated that the lawsuit aims to demand that Los Angeles County provides individuals with disabilities the same voting program as those without disabilities.
The lawsuit is based on Title II of the ADA, which prohibits discrimination by public entities against qualified individuals with disabilities. The federal investigation focused on physical accessibility for individuals with mobility disabilities and vision disabilities during the 2020 primary election, 2020 general election, and 2022 general election. Federal prosecutors also reviewed other aspects of the county’s voting programs, including curbside voting and ballot drop boxes.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke from the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division emphasized the significance of polling place accessibility and stated that this lawsuit should convey a strong message to officials nationwide regarding the commitment to ensuring equal voting opportunities. However, Logan warned that legal action could potentially reduce services and access for communities with fewer infrastructure resources.
Despite the challenges, Logan assured the county’s commitment to seeking resolution that advances accessibility improvements and ensures fairness and equity in the distribution and availability of voting locations for all voters.
