Amid public outcry, Texas county cuts polling locations ahead of 2026 midterms

Tarrant County in Texas has decided to reduce its polling locations by 92 for the 2026 midterms, despite opposition from Democrats. The change will see the number of voting sites decrease from 316 in the 2022 midterm elections to 224 this year. The decision was made during a meeting of the county's five-member Commissioner's Court and sparked public outcry, with residents arguing that reducing polling locations suppresses the democratic right to vote.

County Judge Tim O Hare and commissioners Matt Krause and Manny Ramirez voted in favor of the measure, citing cost-cutting efforts and the need to maintain a safe and accessible voting environment. However, Democratic commissioners Alisa Simmons and Rodrick Miles Jr. opposed the cuts, arguing that the county's population and electorate have not shrunk and that reducing polling locations will lead to longer commutes, longer lines, and lower voter turnout, particularly in Black and brown communities.