Polling place accessibility assessment criteria

For a location to be considered accessible, it must meet all mandatory criteria.* If even one of the mandatory criteria is not met, the location cannot be considered accessible.

You can check whether your polling place is accessible on election day on the Where and when to vote page. If your polling place does not meet your needs, contact your returning officer. You will be able to obtain permission to vote at another accessible polling place in your electoral division.

Parking

• A parking area has been reserved for persons with disabilities.
  • Near the entrance
  • Firm, smooth, non-slip surface
  • Accessibility symbol displayed
• The building can be reached by public transit.

Outdoor walkways

• Minimum width of 91.5 cm (36 in.) *mandatory criterion*
• Continuous, non-slip, smooth, even surface *mandatory criterion*
• Maximum slope of 10% (1:10) *mandatory criterion*

Entrance visibility and lighting

• The building entrance is visible from the public roadway.
• The walkway leading to the entrance is well lit.

Location access

The location offers level access. The location does not offer level access, but it is accessible by elevator or platform lift, or via a compliant access ramp.

Access ramp criteria:

• Minimum width of 86.4 cm (34 in.) *mandatory criterion*
• Minimum upper and lower landing dimensions of 1.5 m x 1.5 m (60 in. x 60 in.) or a size deemed sufficient *mandatory criterion*
• Minimum intermediate landing dimensions of 1.22 m x 91.5 cm (48 in. x 36 in.) or a size deemed sufficient *mandatory criterion*
• Maximum slope of 10% (1:10) *mandatory criterion*
• Non-slip, continuous, even surface *mandatory criterion*
• Presence of handrails *mandatory criterion*

Doors

• Minimum opening or clear width of 77.5 cm (30.5 in.) *mandatory criterion*
• Maximum threshold height of 1.3 cm (0.5 in.) *mandatory criterion*
• Maximum threshold slope of 12.5% (1:8) *mandatory criterion*
• Automatic opening device, door kept open or on-site assistance

Corridors

• Minimum corridor width of 91.5 cm (36 in.) *mandatory criterion*
• Maximum interior travel distance of 30 m (98.5 ft)

Restrooms

• Clearly indicated restroom location
• Minimum restroom door opening or clear width of 77.5 cm (30.5 in.)
• Grab bar available on one side of the toilet
• Open space provided on one side of the toilet

Information regarding the accessibility of locations open to the electorate and of services offered to electors is provided on the notice of entry and via the website’s location search engine:

• Where and when to vote
• Having your name entered on the list of electors or changing your entry

If a location is not accessible, an elector may obtain authorization to vote at a different, accessible location within his or her electoral division. For more information, contact your returning officer.

Accessibility is imposed under the Election Act (E-3.3) and the Act to secure handicapped persons in the exercise of their rights with a view to achieving social, school and workplace integration (E-20.1). Accessibility-related assessment criteria are established by Élections Québec in collaboration with Société Logique.