After the March 3 primary election saw widespread confusion among voters about where they could cast their ballot, a push is underway a return to countywide voting for the runoff election in May.
Dallas County Elections Administrator Paul Adams confirmed to the Dallas County Commissioners Court March 17 that efforts are underway to potentially return to countywide voting in time for the primary runoff election.
Adams’ addressing the issue in commissioners court came after more than 300 voters were redirected from University Park United Methodist Church alone on Election Day March 3. The confusion stemmed in part from a decision by the Dallas County Republican Party late last year to return to precinct-based, assigned polling locations.
During the early voting period for the primary election, as in previous elections in recent years, residents had been able to vote at any polling location in the county.
“Not a joint (election),” Adams explained about the change being considered. “It would be countywide voting, and it would be similar to how we did early voting for this past primary.”
Adams said an amendment has been drafted to be sent to the chairs of both the Dallas County Democratic Party and the Dallas County Republican Party for them to consider and potentially make the change for the upcoming May runoff election.
Early voting for the May 26 primary runoff election runs from May 18 to 22.