DALLAS, Texas — Dallas County election officials are considering bringing back countywide vote centers for the May 26 primary runoff election, following long lines and voter confusion during Tuesday’s primary election.
Under the precinct-based system used in the primary, voters were required to go to their assigned polling locations, leaving many waiting for hours or being turned away for showing up at the wrong site. Countywide vote centers, in contrast, allow voters to cast ballots at any location in the county.
“I think we can all kind of recognize that the Dallas County voters are used to and have become accustomed to the flexibility and convenience that countywide voting allows,” said Nic Solorzano of the Dallas County Elections Department. Officials are currently reviewing the Texas Election Code with legal counsel to determine what is allowed.
Early voting will continue to permit countywide voting, and voters are encouraged to take advantage of this option.
Meanwhile, in Washington, U.S. Rep. Julie Johnson has introduced the Voter Outreach for Transparent Elections (VOTE) Act following reports of voter confusion during the primary. The bill would establish minimum notification requirements for polling place changes in federal elections, ensuring voters are informed at least seven days prior.
“The VOTE Act is about transparency and fairness. It ensures that no voter is denied their voice simply because politicians decided to move the goalposts,” Johnson said. She faces a runoff against former Congressman Colin Allred in Congressional District 33, one of the areas affected by the precinct-based voting system.
Dallas County officials ran an extensive educational campaign before the primary, including mailers, texts to over 700,000 residents, and digital ads. However, countywide voting advocates argue the system provides greater flexibility and reduces long wait times.
An official announcement from the Dallas County Elections Department on potential changes for the May runoff could come as early as next week.
