Using Geospatial Intelligence to Enhance Voting Access in Local Elections for People with Disabilities

Abstract. Ensuring accessible elections for people with disabilities remains a significant challenge in democratic systems worldwide. This study leverages geospatial intelligence to enhance voting accessibility by developing an algorithmic approach that helps individuals locate the nearest Accessible Polling Station (APS). Implemented during recent local elections in Israel, the system integrates Voronoi-based spatial partitioning, statistical analysis, and real-time geolocation processing to optimize APS assignment and minimize voter travel distances. A total of 2,658 individuals used the interface, with 84.4% of surveyed users expressing satisfaction, highlighting its effectiveness in reducing accessibility barriers. The spatial distribution of APSs and voters revealed that most users were from central Israel, with an average voter-to-APS distance of 794 meters, varying by region: 660±1,537 meters in the north, 539±1,909 meters in the center, and 2,245±8,442 meters in the south. Additionally, 735 areas (71%) had an average voter-to-APS distance of less than 500 meters, suggesting widespread accessibility. However, regional disparities persist, particularly in southern Israel, where the desert landscape and low population density limit APS availability. In Israel’s largest cities, most areas show a strong spatial association between voters and nearby APS locations. However, some areas in these cities exhibit localized accessibility gaps, indicating potential barriers to equitable voting access. The findings of this study underscore the critical role of geospatial intelligence in identifying spatial disparities and improving electoral accessibility for people with disabilities.