Rowlett, Texas faced uncertainty with its only early voting location, a small church with limited parking. Concerns were raised by citizens and city officials about the ability of the church to accommodate the expected high turnout for early voting. As a result, the City of Rowlett secured a second early voting location at the Rowlett Community Center. The decision came after a legal battle in which the city sought to use the community center as an additional voting site due to the limitations of the church as a polling place. The church, which is still working to resolve issues with its occupancy certificate, will still be used as an early voting and Election Day location.
The lawsuit, filed by the Mayor and other citizens, highlighted the need for a public building to serve as a polling place, as required by the Texas Election Code. Concerns were raised about the accessibility of the church for disabled and elderly voters, given its limited parking spaces. While the church will continue to be utilized for voting, the addition of the community center provides a more compliant and accessible location for voters.
Discussions are ongoing with the church to resolve any outstanding issues, with the county finalizing a contract for its use as a voting location. Despite the legal battle and concerns raised, voters in Rowlett will have access to two early voting locations for the upcoming election.
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