Charleston County Opens Doors for All Voters with Special Accommodations
As the general election approaches, the beautiful city of Charleston is buzzing with preparations aimed at ensuring that every community member can cast their vote without facing barriers. The Charleston County Board of Elections has partnered up once again with Just Bee, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing equal treatment and access for neurodivergent and autistic individuals. This initiative is groundbreaking as it tackles what many refer to as “invisible disabilities”. The first-of-its-kind accommodation in the nation is set to change the way voting is experienced for some.
The “Bee Hive” – A Mobile Sensory Safe Space
The highlight of this partnership is the introduction of the “bee hive”, a mobile sensory safe space equipped with sensory kits specifically designed for voters who may struggle with sensory overload in typical polling environments. This means that voters or their family members can wait comfortably in the “bee hive” while their spot in line is saved for them. Once it’s their turn, they can proceed to vote just like everyone else, without the stress of loud sounds and long lines. This thoughtful accommodation had its first trial run during the primaries back in June, but with voter turnout being relatively low, the Board of Elections wants to take this opportunity to truly evaluate its success.
Specialized Training for Poll Workers
But that’s not the only step the Board is taking. They have also rolled out specialized training for poll workers, ensuring that the polling places are friendly and accessible to everyone, no matter their needs. Each poll worker will have a checklist to follow on Election Day, aimed at making sure that all accessibility features are in place and operational.
Isaac Cramer, the executive director of the Board of Elections, emphasizes the importance of representing voters with unseen disabilities. “Every voter matters. Every person’s voice matters, and that’s why we need to make sure that our elections are accessible. Everybody has a story and that story matters,” he says passionately. Cramer wants every voter to feel that their voice is counted and respected, especially considering the sacrifices that previous generations have made for the right to vote.
Building a More Accessible Future
This initiative is just the beginning. To further bolster its commitment to inclusivity, Charleston County has implemented an accessibility committee to meet regularly and review its compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Every single polling location is ADA-compliant, featuring necessary signage and proper accessibility measurements, like door widths. They’ve even introduced curbside voting options for individuals who can’t wait in long lines. For the best experience, Cramer recommends using curbside voting during the early voting period.
Encouraging Early Voting
Early voting kicks off on Monday and goes until Saturday, November 2. Polling locations will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will be closed on Sunday. For those interested in benefiting from the “bee hive,” early voting is encouraged as it allows voters to experience this innovative initiative in a less crowded and hectic environment. Notably, the “bee hive” will only be available at selected times and places, so checking ahead is a great idea.
A Personal Touch
For Cramer, this mission is personal. His sister has autism, and he understands the emotional and sensory challenges that come with voting environments. He has witnessed those difficulties and is determined to make a difference, ensuring that no one feels overwhelmed when casting their ballot.
The recent report from the United States Elections Assistance Commission highlighted that insufficient efforts had been made to accommodate voters with disabilities, prompting Cramer and his team to prioritize change going forward. “We need to really continue to promote that voting should never be a barrier to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard,” he says with conviction.
As this election approaches, Charleston County is paving the way for a more inclusive voting experience. By focusing on accessibility and listening to the community’s needs, it’s making significant strides to ensure no voice is inadvertently muted.
