Tarrant County, Texas, will have nearly a third fewer polling places this November following a 3-2 vote by Republican county commissioners. The reduction will decrease the number of polling sites from 316 used in the 2022 midterms to 224, representing a decrease of approximately 30%. County officials stated that the cuts are intended to consolidate resources and eliminate low-turnout sites. Tarrant County Judge Tim O’Hare defended the decision, asserting that there will be sufficient voting locations available for all voters.
Hundreds of protesters gathered outside a courthouse for over three hours to voice their opposition to the cuts, citing concerns over potential voter disenfranchisement, particularly among communities of color and those with lower socioeconomic status. Protesters expressed fears that the reductions would disproportionately impact these groups, with some individuals sharing personal stories about transportation challenges to polling locations.
The vote follows a previous proposal that would have further reduced polling sites to 176, which was delayed after community members voiced their frustrations. During an earlier meeting, former Democratic state representative Lon Burnam was arrested for disrupting the proceedings. The recent vote has drawn criticism from various local leaders, including state Rep. Vikki Goodwin, who described the plan as voter suppression.
Democratic candidate Danny Minton characterized the commission's actions as a civil rights violation, a sentiment echoed by many speakers at the hearing. In total, over 85 speakers opposed the polling reductions, while only a few supported the plan, emphasizing the need for accessible voting options for all residents, including students at the University of Texas at Arlington, who would lose their polling site.
The atmosphere surrounding the midterms has been heightened by ongoing claims of voter fraud and changes to election procedures, prompting concerns from Democrats and election officials about potential legal challenges regarding the election results.