Dallas County’s only early voting location in Rowlett may be forced to close just weeks before voting begins for the 2024 election due to a key issue regarding accessibility and safety. The initial site, Freedom Place Church, was found to have insufficient parking spaces, with only one designated for disabled individuals, raising concerns about safety for voters. Rowlett Mayor Blake Margolis recommended moving the early voting site to the city’s community center, which was used during the 2020 election and offers ample parking spaces for voters. However, Commissioner John Wiley Price disputed this suggestion, claiming the community center only offered one room, while Mayor Margolis stated that there are actually three available rooms.
The decision to potentially relocate the early voting site has sparked controversy, with Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins expressing reservations about the timing of the move so close to the start of early voting, scheduled for Oct. 21. County staff, under Jenkins’ direction, are currently investigating the issue and may call a special meeting to determine the next steps. With Rowlett being a city of over 60,000 residents, the potential closure of the only early voting location could have significant implications for voter turnout in the upcoming election. Stay tuned for updates on this developing situation as officials work to address the concerns raised about the location of the early voting center in Dallas County.
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