Tarrant County votes to reduce polling sites ahead of midterms

Tarrant County commissioners have voted to significantly reduce the number of polling locations ahead of the November midterm elections. The decision, passed by a 3-2 Republican majority, will eliminate 92 polling sites compared to the 2022 midterms, a reduction of approximately 30%. This leaves 224 locations to serve more than 2 million residents in Texas' third-largest county.

Republican officials, including County Judge Tim O’Hare, defended the move as a way to consolidate resources and eliminate low-turnout sites. They emphasized that remaining locations prioritize accessibility and proximity to public transit. However, Democratic candidates and voting rights organizations, including the NAACP and the ACLU, have condemned the plan as a form of voter suppression.

Critics argue the closures will disproportionately impact minority communities, specifically Black and Hispanic voters in areas like Fort Worth and Arlington. The controversy arrives during a high-stakes U.S. Senate race in Texas between Democrat James Talarico and Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton, with Tarrant County serving as a critical battleground.