Cedar Rapids Middle Schools Rejected for Satellite Voting Stations Because of Lack of Accessibility
October 2, 2025 | Business Support, Community Development, Public Policy
The Believe in Cedar Rapids Schools committee gathered the required number of signatures as authorized by state code to hold satellite voting locations at Wilson, McKinley, Roosevelt middle schools as well as Kennedy High School.
The signatures were accepted, and the petitions were ruled valid by the Linn County Auditor. But as of today, Wilson Middle School, McKinley Middle School and Roosevelt Middle school satellite voting sites were all rejected because each school was deemed not in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Election Polling Place requirements. Kennedy High School did meet the requirements.
“It’s ironic that these three middle schools do not meet basic ADA requirements needed to hold a satellite voting location for the citizens, but our kids are required to attend every day. One of the major components of the Cedar Rapids Community Schools bond referendum is to improve accessibility for our kids, teachers and staff in these very buildings,” said Barbra Solberg, Chair of the Believe in CR Schools.
Cedar Rapids Councilman Marty Hoeger added, “if anything should shine a light on the need to pass the referendum this is it. As a parent of a child with special needs ensuring every child has access to accessible and safe schools is a fundamental right and should be a top priority of our community. It’s vital we pass the Cedar Rapids Community Schools bond referendum on November 4th to ensure this problem is fixed.”
“Linn County Auditor Todd Taylor and his team have been very professional throughout this ordeal, but their hands are simply tied and can’t proceed because of the federal ADA issues at these three middle schools,” concluded Solberg.
The Believe committee sought early voting locations to ensure as many registered voters within the boundaries of the school district would have ample opportunities and access to vote in this critical election.
A full listing of current endorsements can be found here: https://believeincrschools.com/endorsements
Paid for by Believe in CR Schools.