State Rep. James Talarico and Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate joined Tarrant County Commissioner Alisa Simmons on Sunday to voice opposition to a proposed reduction in voting locations for the upcoming midterm elections.
The group held a press conference outside the University of Texas at Arlington’s Mavericks Activity Center, which served as a polling place during previous elections. The officials are challenging a new map that would reduce Election Day sites from 316 to 224, a drop of nearly one-third. The proposal also eliminates three early voting locations.
Talarico argued that the cuts could lead to increased travel times and longer lines for voters. He stated that allowing voting rights to become a partisan issue creates a dangerous precedent for the country. Simmons emphasized that county leadership should focus on improving access in Tarrant County, which is the third most populous in Texas.
She described the removal of 92 Election Day sites as unreasonable and urged comparing the current proposal to the accessibility levels voters experienced in 2022.
The controversy follows a unanimous decision by commissioners last month to delay their vote on Election Day sites. Earlier proposals had suggested cutting nearly half of all locations, which drew criticism from residents and commissioners alike. Elections Administrator Clint Ludwig, who drafted the maps, noted that the latest version was created without commissioner input.
He stated in an email that the new plan prioritizes facilities that meet operational standards and accommodate voters with disabilities.
