Tarrant County, Texas, officials have voted to reduce the number of polling locations by 92, decreasing the available sites from 316 during the 2022 midterm elections to 224 for upcoming elections. The decision by the five-member Commissioner's Court, which is split between Republican and Democratic members, occurred despite opposition from numerous residents during public meetings.
Republican officials in favor of the measure cited cost-saving efforts and low voter turnout at certain locations, arguing that the reduced number of polling places still meets the state's minimum requirements. County Judge Tim O'Hare stated that the updated plan ensures an average of 2.85 miles between early voting locations and 1.56 miles between Election Day polling locations, with several sites changed for practical reasons such as building availability or ADA compliance.
However, Democratic commissioners and other critics expressed concerns that the reduction could lead to longer commutes, increased wait times, and decreased voter turnout, particularly in minority communities. Commissioner Rodrick Miles Jr. argued that the county's growing population and electorate warrant more, not fewer, voting locations, stating that the legal minimum should not be the standard for accessibility. Texas state Rep. James Talarico also voiced opposition, predicting negative impacts on voter turnout.
Tarrant County, located in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, is home to over 2.2 million residents and 1.3 million registered voters. The county's demographics include a significant and growing Hispanic population, alongside white, Black, and Asian residents.