Tarrant County delays vote on poll site reductions after heated public protest

Tarrant County, Texas, is considering a plan to cut the number of Election Day polling locations from 316 to 176 – roughly a 40% reduction – for the 2026 midterm elections, citing a projected $1 million savings and low turnout at some sites in 2024.

The proposal triggered strong opposition, with critics labeling it voter suppression aimed at communities of color. At a Commissioners Court meeting, public comments grew heated; Judge Tim O'Hare cleared the chamber, ordered speakers removed, and had a man arrested for disrupting the meeting. Former state Rep. Lon Burham was also taken into custody after he seized the microphone to speak.

The commissioners voted 3‑2 to table the measure, delaying the vote while seeking further clarification on the plan.