A Texas judge ruled that Tarrant County does not have to restore nearly 100 polling places that county officials cut before the November 3 midterm election. The ruling came after voting rights advocates and minority group representatives sued, arguing the cuts disenfranchise voters.
Monday, October 19, 2026. Early voting in November 3 midterm election (Tarrant County)5
Who's involved
District Judge Patrick GallagherJudge who ruled on the polling site cuts
Deborah PeoplesCity councilwoman and plaintiff; Black
Kathleen HicksFormer city councilwoman and plaintiff; Black
Maryellen HicksRetired judge and plaintiff; Black
Camille RodriguezFort Worth ISD trustee and plaintiff; Hispanic
Susan HutchisonAttorney for the plaintiffs
Clint LudwigTarrant County Election Administrator who drafted polling site cuts list
Tim O'HareTarrant County Judge; Republican; voted for polling site cuts
Matt KrauseTarrant County Commissioner; Republican; voted for polling site cuts
Manny RamirezTarrant County Commissioner; Republican; voted for polling site cuts
Alisa SimmonsTarrant County Commissioner; Democrat; voted against polling site cuts
Roderick MilesTarrant County Commissioner; Democrat; voted against polling site cuts
The facts
Tarrant County commissioners voted 3-2 to cut 92 Election Day polling sites, from 316 in 2022 to 224 for November 3.5
The vote also cut early voting sites from 50 to 47.5
District Judge Patrick Gallagher issued a one-page decision after a day of testimony, denying the request to reinstate sites.5
In the 76103 ZIP Code in East Fort Worth, all three polling places were cut.5
In the 76115 ZIP Code in south Fort Worth, four of five polling places were cut.5
Clint Ludwig did not assess how the reductions would affect Black, Hispanic, or low-income voters.5
Ludwig did not seek input from Black or Hispanic organizations about the reduction.5
Early voting starts October 19 and Election Day is November 3.5
Who said what
These are statements and claims made by the people involved. They are reported, not verified.
Four women plaintiffs and Susan Hutchison Tarrant County is eroding the right to vote.5
Four women plaintiffs Cuts will mean longer commutes and waits to vote and lower voter turnout, particularly in low-income and minority neighborhoods.5
Tim O'Hare No Tarrant County voter should feel they do not have enough time to vote.5
Tarrant County Republican commissioners Move saves money and improves efficiency.5
Clint Ludwig It would be impossible to add polling places at this point.5
Clint Ludwig County keeps 5 to 10 back-up options that could be added if necessary.5
Where the sources disagree
Expected voter turnout Ludwig said he expects roughly 40% more voters in 2026 than in 2022 [5]
How they headlined it
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