Commissioners in Tarrant County, who are affiliated with the Republican party, reject proposals to reinstate polling locations for Election Day

Tarrant County Voting Changes and Election Updates

Tarrant County residents will be casting ballots in November for a variety of elections and constitutional amendments. One of the amendments seeks to raise the homestead exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district from $100,000 to $140,000.

The county's election administration is preparing for the election, with County Judge Tim O'Hare and Election Administrator Clint Ludwig aiming to save approximately $1 million in a low-turnout election. Commissioners have approved spending $18,600 to renovate the Tarrant County Elections Administration building to comply with a new Texas law.

In terms of voting locations, commissioners have approved 216 Election Day voting sites for the fall, a decrease from 331 in the last odd-numbered November election. This decision has been met with criticism, particularly from Democratic Commissioner Alisa Simmons, who proposed adding back some Election Day locations and seven early voting sites across the county. The court voted 3-2 against the additions, with no comments from the Republican commissioners who opposed the move.

Early voting will run from October 20 to October 31, and the last day to apply for a ballot by mail is October 24. It's worth noting that the last day to register to vote for the November election is October 6.

County staff had previously listed the new law as a reason to cut several early voting locations, including at the University of Texas at Arlington. However, the reduction in voting locations has been defended by the speaker, who supports running the election in a fiscally conservative way.

The election in Tarrant County will also include local, state, and federal elections such as for mayor, city council, school boards, state legislature, and possibly propositions or measures. In addition, a special election will be held in Texas Senate District 9 to replace former state Sen. Kelly Hancock.

The new Texas law also requires election equipment to be secured in a locked room overnight. Brandon Rottinghaus, a political science professor at the University of Houston, emphasised the importance of clear and straightforward election processes, stating that a confused voter is a nonvoter.

The election has also seen some controversy, with Ken Shimamoto criticising commissioners for reducing polling locations and redrawing the commissioners' precinct map to favour a Republican candidate. A lone speaker against the additional early voting locations declined to confirm his name.

However, a dozen attendees spoke in favour of the new voting locations at the meeting. Rottinghaus also criticised the narratives about race being made by those pushing for the additional amendments, calling them "Democratic hoopla"-based.

In conclusion, the upcoming election in Tarrant County will see a variety of changes and updates, including the introduction of new constitutional amendments, changes to voting locations, and the implementation of new security measures. It's important for voters to stay informed and registered to ensure they can exercise their democratic right.

Commissioners in Tarrant County, who are affiliated with the Republican party, reject proposals to reinstate polling locations for Election Day