Tarrant County’s Plan to Cut Nearly a Third of Election-Day Polling Sites Sparks Opposition

County officials in Tarrant County, Texas – the state’s third-most populous county with more than 2 million residents – have proposed a map that would reduce Election-Day polling locations from the 316 sites used in the 2022 midterms to 224 sites, a cut of 92 locations. The commissioners court is set to vote on the plan at its next Tuesday meeting.

The Press DemocratFort Worth ReportDallas Observer

Tarrant County has experienced rapid population growth, turning it into a key battleground for the 2026 U.S. Senate race. Officials argue the reductions will eliminate low-turnout sites, save taxpayer dollars, and meet state regulations that set a statutory minimum for polling places. The county adopted countywide voting in 2019, but reductions of polling sites have only begun recently.

The Press Democrat

• Current proposal: 224 Election-Day sites (down from 316 in 2022).

Fort Worth Report

• Early-voting sites: Sources report either a drop from 42 to 47 sites or a cut of three early-voting locations – the figures conflict.

The Press Democrat

• Geographic impact: The average distance between remaining sites would be about 1.5 miles.

The Press Democrat

• Demographics: Roughly one-third of residents are Hispanic and 19.2 % are Black.

The Press Democrat

Elections Administrator Clint Ludwig said the map was based on facilities that best meet the needs of voters with disabilities and on operational standards, noting that low-turnout sites would be eliminated to use resources efficiently. Democratic officials countered that the cuts would disproportionately affect low-income and minority neighborhoods, increase travel distances, and create longer lines. Commissioner Alisa Simmons argued that the minimum statutory requirement should not be the standard for a county of this size.

Fort Worth Report

Alisa Simmons warned that the proposal would force residents to rearrange transportation, childcare, and work schedules, making voting harder for many. Former state Rep. Lon Burnham and local voting-rights groups, including the NAACP and ACLU, have labeled the plan a form of voter suppression, citing concerns that reduced access will depress turnout among Black and brown communities.

Dallas Observer

• “There will be longer commutes, longer lines, and lower voter turnout, especially in our black and brown communities,” — James Talarico

Dallas Observer

• “The minimum is never my standard, and it should not be a standard for a county this size.” — Alisa Simmons, Tarrant County commissioner

Dallas Observer

• “This is not a minor issue,” — Alisa Simmons

Dallas Observer

• “As I’ve said from day one, no Tarrant County voter should ever feel they don’t have enough time to vote,” — Tim O’Hare, county judge

Fort Worth Report

Two sources provide different figures for the early-voting reductions. The Dallas Observer lists the proposal as retaining 47 early-voting locations, while the Fort Worth Report states that three early-voting sites would be eliminated. No source clarifies which figure is final.

The Press Democrat

The commissioners court will vote on the proposed map at its upcoming Tuesday meeting. If approved, the reduced network of polling places will be in effect for the November midterm election, with early voting scheduled for the preceding October. Stakeholders have urged residents to contact their commissioners before the vote.

Fort Worth Report