The Midterms—and Why Our Votes Matter More Than Ever
In my recent post, “I’m Scared About Our Future—but I Refuse to Be Silent,” I wrote about the fear I feel for marginalized communities. As the midterm elections approach, that fear is becoming even more urgent.
Tarrant County, Texas, has eliminated 92 of the 316 polling locations used during the 2022 midterms—a reduction of about 29%. Officials say the change will conserve resources and eliminate locations with low turnout, while opponents warn that fewer polling places could create longer journeys, confusion, and additional barriers for voters.
Those barriers do not affect everyone equally. Disabled people, older adults, people without reliable transportation, low-income voters, and people who cannot afford to miss work may find it especially difficult to reach another location or wait in a long line.
I cannot know every official’s private motivation, but I believe actions that make voting less convenient deserve serious scrutiny—especially in a growing, politically competitive county. Our leaders should make democratic participation easier and more accessible, not place additional obstacles between citizens and the ballot box.
This also connects to what I previously wrote about democratic socialism. Ideas such as universal healthcare, stronger disability services, affordable housing, and greater economic equality are gaining attention because many working people feel the current system does not serve them. When political power begins shifting toward ordinary people, those who benefit from the existing system may feel threatened.
That is precisely why voting matters.
Fear cannot be allowed to silence us. We must verify our registration, learn where and how to vote, request accommodations when needed, and help others obtain reliable election information. Disabled voters must also insist that polling locations, voting equipment, and election procedures remain genuinely accessible.
Democracy does not protect itself. It survives when people participate—even when the process has been made unnecessarily difficult.
I am still scared about our future, but I refuse to surrender my voice. I hope you will refuse too.
Keywords: midterm elections · voting rights · voter accessibility · Tarrant County · disability rights · democratic participation · democratic socialism · political accountability
Sources and further reading
Texas Tribune — “Tarrant County removes 92 polling sites ahead of the November elections”
https://www.texastribune.org/2026/09/01/tarrant-county-removes-polling-sites/
Associated Press — “Plan to cut number of polling sites in a major Texas county draws protests as Senate race looms”
https://apnews.com/article/14753f336d2977fdd0dd88492e707035
Texas Secretary of State — Official voting information