Bold claim: Confusion over new voting rules left hundreds of Dallas-area voters turned away from polling places, undermining access to the ballot. But here’s where it gets controversial: the ripple effects of precinct-based voting and shifted polling hours sparked a scramble that many residents were unprepared for.
Hundreds of voters in the Dallas area reported being sent to the wrong precinct or redirected to cast ballots at assigned locations they weren’t initially at, according to Kardal Coleman, chair of the Dallas County Democratic Party. In response, Dallas County extended polling hours by two hours after securing a court order, allowing Democratic-leaning precincts to stay open until 10 p.m. ET. By contrast, most of Texas wraps up voting at 8 p.m. ET, with El Paso and far West Texas closing at 9 p.m. ET.
Democratic candidate for the Texas Senate, James Talarico, argued the extension was necessary to ensure every Texan’s voice could be counted in this pivotal election. “We needed to ensure all Texans’ voices are heard,” he said.
On the other side, Republican officials in Dallas County and Williamson County chose to conduct a precinct-based primary, ending the countywide voting model that had been used on Election Day. Coleman contended that the current predicament was avoidable and could have been prevented with clearer planning and communication.
Representative Jasmine Crockett, the Republican candidate’s opponent, condemned the rule changes and the ensuing confusion. She spoke emotionally at a news conference, saying she has received emails and videos from voters who were distressed or crying. “None of this should have happened,” Crockett stated, adding that the disruptions could influence the primary’s outcome—though she stressed that the morality of the process remained the central issue.
CNN reached out to the Republican parties in Dallas County and Williamson County for comment. Allen West, former Florida congressman and chair of the Dallas County GOP, had previously supported the precinct-based approach, arguing it was preferable.
Earlier on Tuesday, Dallas County elections spokesman Nicholas Solorzano noted ongoing reports across the county of voters being redirected to their correct precincts. In the meantime, both Talarico and Crockett urged voters to confirm their designated polling locations before heading out to vote.
This update includes additional details and context as the situation developed. CNN’s David Wright contributed to the reporting.
