With early voting going strong in Garland, voters have reported a generally positive experience at polling locations, particularly at the Dallas College site on Walnut and the South Garland Library. Many have shared that the process has been fast and efficient, with minimal wait times allowing for quick entry and exit. Some voters pointed out that parking was a challenge with the different campaigning groups taking up some of the closest parking spaces, which could hinder accessibility for voters. Elaine Campbell, Vice Chair of the Community Elections Advisory Committee and the Vice President of Voter Services for the League of Women Voters of Dallas, was on-site listening to both voters and election workers to gather insights on improving the early voting process for future elections.
“The Dallas College – Garland Center Vote Center’s 2025 Municipal election is running smoothly thanks to the dedication of experienced clerks and judges who go above and beyond to support voters. I was especially struck by the insights shared by the Election Judge with 19 years of service as well as her alternate Judge. Suggestions for improvement, based on years of early voting experience, were eye-opening and invaluable. As Vice Chair of the Community Elections Advisory Committee and VP of Voter Services with the League of Women Voters of Dallas, I’m proud of the progress made and committed to continuing the work to communicate improvement suggestions to ensure voting is accessible and efficient.” — Elaine Campbell
Judge Janet Harris and alternate Judge Pete Alamanz highlighted a significant challenge related to curbside voting at their location, where they see around 30-40 curbside voters daily. This election cycle has introduced bulkier voting machines that have made it more difficult to serve curbside voters effectively. For instance, the equipment’s doors tend to blow into voters’ vehicles, prompting election workers to creatively use tape to keep the doors open, as the magnets were not strong enough.
Additionally, a new issue this election is the smaller secret ballot envelopes, which require voters to fold their ballots before inserting them. Unfortunately, this folding has led to jams in the tabulator when the ballots are unfolded for processing, creating further complications for the election staff.
For Garland’s early voting election workers, logistics have also posed challenges. They must pick up materials from a location in Richardson, but at the end of the early voting period, they are required to drive to the Dallas County Elections Department office, which is not centrally located. This can be a safety concern, especially for the many elderly election workers who face a lengthy drive, approximately an hour one way, well after dark. To enhance safety and efficiency, it has been suggested that the drop-off point for materials be the same as the pickup point, reducing the travel burden on election judges at various eastern locations.
Judge Harris praised the Dallas County Elections Department (DCED) for eliminating the flow chart and improving process efficiency. However, she pointed out that the training for early voting judges should be distinct from that of election day judges, as there are some significant differences in procedures and options available. For example, during early voting, voters can cast a limited ballot at the Dallas County Elections Department headquarters, whereas on Election Day, the only alternative is a provisional ballot.
Overall, early voting in Garland has seen wait times remain consistently low, with voters benefiting from fewer races and issues on the ballot. This has contributed to a smooth and easy voting process. Voters are encouraged to take advantage of the early voting period to ensure they have ample time to cast their votes without the stress of last-minute decisions.
How was your experience during early voting? Email [email protected] to share your story.
