Dallas County Republicans to Paper-Count 2026 Primary Ballots

Changes in Voting Process for Dallas County Republicans

Dallas County Republicans will implement a significant change in the voting process for the March 2026 Primary Election. Instead of using electronic systems, the party will rely on paper ballots and hand-counting. This shift marks a departure from previous practices and comes as the party decides to separate from the traditional joint primary with Democrats.

Reduction in Polling Locations

One of the notable changes is the reduction in the number of polling locations. The GOP will offer approximately 100 fewer polling stations on Election Day compared to previous years. This decision is part of a broader strategy to test alternative methods of conducting elections and improve the overall voting experience.

Understanding the Shift

The Democratic and Republican parties in Dallas County have historically held joint primary elections. However, this year, the two parties will conduct separate primaries. The changes are limited to Election Day, while early voting procedures remain under the control of the county.

Parties have the authority to manage their own primaries, and while joint elections have been the norm, they are not required. This move by the Dallas County Republicans reflects a desire to explore different approaches to ensure a more reliable and transparent voting process.

Perspectives from Leaders

Allen West, the Chair of the Dallas County GOP, emphasized that the party is looking for ways to enhance the voting process. He referenced Albert Einstein’s famous quote about insanity, suggesting that continuing the same methods without expecting different results is not a viable approach.

West highlighted concerns about the reliability of electronic voting systems, citing an incident during the 2024 presidential election where an electronic pollbook provided incorrect ballots to thousands of voters. Although he did not accuse anyone of voter fraud, he expressed concern about the flaws in the current system.

"We are providing an alternative for people to look at and people to study," West said. "And hopefully there will not be people that try to create obstacles to this happening because we’re doing everything according to Texas election code and law."

Concerns About the Process

Despite the potential for slower processing times, West does not see the hand-counting method as a major issue. He pointed out that some elections take weeks to finalize results, suggesting that the public should not be overly concerned.

Local Administration's Perspective

Paul Adams, the Dallas County Elections Administrator, is tasked with preparing for the changes within a tight timeframe. With less than 80 days until the election, Adams is urging both parties to finalize their primary contracts by Saturday.

"We have a lot to prepare for because we are basically running two separate elections at the same time," Adams said.

This development makes Dallas County the largest in the country to implement hand-counted ballots on Election Day. A similar approach was taken in Collin County for the November election, which faced criticism due to long lines and delays.

Conclusion

The shift to paper ballots and hand-counting in Dallas County represents a significant step in the evolution of the voting process. While it presents challenges, it also offers an opportunity to evaluate alternative methods and potentially improve the accuracy and transparency of elections. As the county moves forward, the focus will be on ensuring a smooth and efficient process for all voters.