Texas Supreme Court Blocks Extended Voting in Dallas

MSNBC host Chris Hayes criticizes the court's decision, saying it will limit legitimate voter turnout.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Texas Supreme Court blocked a judge's order to extend polling hours in Dallas County during the Democratic primary, leading to confusion and criticism from MSNBC host Chris Hayes and Democratic congressional candidate Jasmine Crockett. Hayes argued the court's decision went against the principle of maximizing legitimate voter turnout, while Crockett suggested Republicans were targeting the Democratic-leaning county.

Why it matters

The voting drama in Dallas highlights ongoing tensions around voting rights and access, with Democrats accusing Republicans of voter suppression tactics. The Texas Supreme Court's decision could impact voter turnout and the outcome of key races in the state.

The details

A rule change affecting primary voting in Texas sparked widespread confusion in Dallas County, prompting a judge to extend polling hours. However, the Texas Supreme Court, composed of nine Republican justices, later blocked that extension and ordered ballots cast after 7 p.m. by voters not already in line to be segregated.

  • On March 3, 2026, a judge in Dallas County extended polling hours due to the voting confusion.
  • Later that evening, the Texas Supreme Court blocked the judge's order to extend polling hours.

The players

Chris Hayes

MSNBC host who criticized the Texas Supreme Court's decision to block the extended voting hours in Dallas County.

Jasmine Crockett

Democratic congressional candidate in Texas who suggested Republicans were targeting the Democratic-leaning Dallas County.

James Talarico

Texas State Representative running against Jasmine Crockett for a Senate seat, who remained optimistic about his campaign's performance despite the voting issues in Dallas.

Texas Supreme Court

The state's highest court, composed of nine Republican justices, that blocked the judge's order to extend polling hours in Dallas County.

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What they’re saying

“There is no reason to think … there's any illegitimate or fake votes in the entire pool. No one did anything wrong. There was confusion. So like, you should always default to what will allow the most amount of actual legitimate voters to cast votes in an election.”

— Chris Hayes, MSNBC Host (MSNBC)

“If it comes in and I'm losing Dallas County then we know kind of where this thing is going, so that's my news. We're not going to have election results tonight, in my opinion, based upon what specifically is taking place in Dallas County. Unfortunately, this is what Republican like to do.”

— Jasmine Crockett, Democratic Congressional Candidate (MSNBC)

“Tonight, our campaign is shocking the nation. We are still waiting for an official call, but we are confident in this movement we've built together. Every vote must be counted. Every voice must be heard. The voter suppression in my home county and Congresswoman Crockett's home county underscores the gravity of this moment. This movement is about whether the people will hold the power in this state and in this country.”

— James Talarico, Texas State Representative (MSNBC)

What’s next

The Texas Supreme Court's decision to segregate ballots cast after 7 p.m. in Dallas County could lead to further legal challenges and delays in finalizing the primary election results.

The takeaway

The voting drama in Dallas highlights the ongoing partisan battles over voting rights and access, with Democrats accusing Republicans of voter suppression tactics. The Texas Supreme Court's decision to block the extended voting hours could have significant implications for voter turnout and the outcome of key races in the state.