Tarrant County votes to reduce polling sites

Tarrant County commissioners have officially voted to reduce the number of polling locations for the upcoming November midterm elections. In a 3-2 decision led by a Republican majority, the court approved a plan to eliminate 92 polling sites compared to the 2022 midterms, representing an approximate 30% reduction. This will leave 224 locations to serve more than 2 million residents.

County Judge Tim O’Hare and other Republican officials defended the decision as a necessary measure to consolidate resources and eliminate low-turnout sites, maintaining that the remaining locations prioritize accessibility and proximity to public transit.

However, the decision has drawn condemnation from Democratic candidates and voting rights organizations, including the NAACP and the ACLU, who characterize the plan as voter suppression. Critics argue the closures will disproportionately impact Black and Hispanic voters in areas such as Fort Worth and Arlington. The controversy is unfolding against the backdrop of a high-stakes U.S. Senate race between Democrat James Talarico and Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton, with Tarrant County serving as a critical battleground.