Tarrant County Judge Wants to Eliminate College Voting Sites
Republican Tarrant County Judge Tim O’Hare is seeking to shut down several college campus voting sites in Democratic commissioners’ districts, claiming they are a waste of money. O’Hare has called for a special meeting on the same day that Democratic commissioners Roy Brooks and Alisa Simmons will be out of town, fueling accusations of voter suppression.
This move has sparked outrage among college students, who see it as an attempt to suppress the youth vote and minority populations in the area. Some argue that the decision to close these locations is politically motivated, as the targeted campuses have historically leaned Democratic.
Last week, commissioners failed to agree on early voting locations, leading O’Hare to propose the closure of sites at UT Arlington, Tarrant County College South Campus, and Southwestern Baptist Seminary. The decision to eliminate these locations, which saw a significant number of early voters in the 2020 election, has raised concerns about access to voting for students and residents in these areas.
Critics, including State Rep. Chris Turner, have accused O’Hare of making it harder for certain demographics to vote. The controversy surrounding the proposed closures underscores the importance of ensuring equitable access to the ballot box, especially as the 2024 U.S. presidential election approaches.
As tensions continue to rise in Tarrant County, it remains to be seen how this issue will be resolved and what impact it will have on voter turnout in the upcoming election.
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