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Tarrant County Judge Tim O'Hare tables vote to cut polling locations following public backlash

Tarrant County Judge Tim O'Hare tabled a vote to drastically reduce the number of election day polling locations in Tarrant County, Texas, following a heated public meeting. The proposal sought to cut the number of sites from 316 to 176, a reduction of nearly 40%. While Judge O'Hare argued the move would save $1 million in taxpayer money and target low-turnout locations, critics argued the plan amounted to alleged voter suppression, particularly in areas with high populations of people of color. During the meeting, residents and officials expressed significant frustration over the lack of transparency and community input. Tarrant County Commissioner Alisa Simmons and other speakers criticized the lack of deliberation, calling the plan a deliberate act to reduce voter access. Judge O'Hare defended the administration's decision-making process, noting that Elections Administrator Clint Ludwig was responsible for the initial proposal. The court ultimately voted 3-2 to delay the decision until September 1, allowing for more clarification and a revised proposal from the administrator.

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