Tarrant County Commissioners Court Approves Cutting 92 Polling Sites for November Election
The Tarrant County Commissioners Court approved a plan on August 25 to eliminate 92 polling locations for the November 3 midterm election in Texas. The three Republican commissioners backed the decision, which was immediately condemned by Democratic officials and voting-rights groups who warned it would suppress minority turnout. The proposal had first been introduced earlier in the summer, prompting protests from more than 80 speakers and the arrest of two demonstrators. State Rep.
James Talarico and Rep. Matt Shaheen voiced opposition, while County Judge Tim O’Hare and Elections Administrator Clint Ludwig defended the cuts as cost-saving measures. The plan reduces Election Day sites by roughly 30%, drawing criticism from the NAACP, ACLU and other voting-rights advocates.