Judge blocks emergency bid to restore 92 Tarrant County polling sites
A Fort Worth district judge denied a temporary injunction seeking to reinstate 92 polling sites cut from Tarrant County’s 2026 midterm election plan. The ruling allows the county to proceed with 224 Election Day locations and 47 early voting sites, down from 316 and 50 in 2022. Plaintiffs, including Fort Worth City Council member Deborah Peoples, argued the reductions disproportionately burden Black and Latino voters. Elections administrator Clint Ludwig testified that the cuts were based on turnout data and logistics, not racial demographics. The lawsuit remains active, but the county will not restore the sites before early voting begins on October 19.
Key points
- Judge J. Patrick Gallagher denied the request for a temporary injunction on October 13, 2026.
- The plaintiffs are Deborah Peoples, Camille Rodriguez, Kathleen Hicks, and Maryellen Hicks.
- Tarrant County will use 224 Election Day polling sites and 47 early voting sites for the November 3 midterms.
- Elections administrator Clint Ludwig stated he did not consider racial demographics when selecting sites.
- The lawsuit challenges the county’s methodology but does not seek to cancel the election.
Background
In September 2026, Tarrant County commissioners voted 3-2 to reduce polling sites by 92 compared to the 2022 midterms. The decision drew protests and criticism from voting rights advocates who argued the cuts would disenfranchise minority communities. The current lawsuit follows that approval, seeking emergency relief before early voting begins on October 19.
How outlets are covering it
The Fort Worth Report and Fort Worth Star-Telegram emphasize that the judge’s denial does not dismiss the underlying discrimination claims. NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth highlights the county’s argument that reinstating sites is logistically impossible before early voting. Plaintiffs’ attorney Susan Hutchison argues the cuts follow a pattern of burdening minority neighborhoods, while county officials maintain the plan improves efficiency and reflects voter turnout patterns. Ludwig testified that he did not consult minority organizations, a point stressed by the Star-Telegram and Fort Worth Report.
Why it matters
The ruling sets the polling landscape for a critical midterm election in a swing county. The outcome determines whether voters in low-income and minority neighborhoods must travel farther to vote, potentially impacting turnout. The case also tests the limits of emergency judicial intervention in election logistics when early voting is imminent.
What to watch
The lawsuit continues without the temporary injunction. Plaintiffs may pursue a full trial on the discrimination claims. Early voting begins October 19, and Election Day is November 3. County officials will proceed with the approved 224-site plan.
- Fort Worth judge denies request to reinstate 92 polling sites for Tarrant County midterms Fort Worth Report
- Judge denies request to reinstate 92 Tarrant County election polling sites Dallas News
- Temp. injunction denied in lawsuit to restore Tarrant Co. polling locations for midterms NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth
- Judge denies request to reopen 92 closed Tarrant County voting locations WFAA
- Tarrant County judge denies request to reinstate polling sites Fort Worth Star-Telegram
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