Dallas – On Sunday, Republican congressional hopeful Everett Jackson organized a modest demonstration outside Friendship‑West Baptist Church at 2020 W. Wheatland Road. Jackson asserted that the church’s banquet hall, currently listed as an early‑voting and Election‑Day site, creates a clear conflict of interest because its senior pastor, Democrat Frederick Haynes III, is also a candidate for the U.S. House in the 30th District.
Protest Highlights Conflict Concerns
During an interview with The Dallas Express, Jackson described the arrangement as “a very obvious conflict of interest.” He questioned, “How can you be on the ballot and have the church you reside over serve as a polling site with your name on that ballot? I smell a rat.” Jackson said his campaign has contacted the Dallas Elections Board for a resolution but has yet to receive a response.
Jackson urged officials to cease using the church as a voting location while Haynes seeks federal office, stating, “You’re either going to be on the poll, or you’re going to be behind the pulpit. You cannot have both.”
Republican Party Calls for Review
The Dallas County Republican Party has previously asked county officials to remove Friendship‑West as a polling site, citing the same conflict concerns. GOP Chairman Monty Montañez noted that earlier reviews by county election officials, the district attorney, and the Texas Secretary of State found no violation, but the Secretary of State later reopened the review. The party’s request remains pending.
Additional Voices at the Protest
Among the protesters was Jayla Godbolt, a Republican write‑in candidate for justice of the peace in Precinct 1, Place 2. Godbolt described the church as “blasphemous,” reflecting broader Republican criticism of the church’s past political activism, including a large Black Lives Matter flag displayed earlier this year.
Haynes has led Friendship‑West Baptist since 1983, according to the church’s biography. Early voting at the site runs October 19‑30, with the general election scheduled for November 3.
Election Context
The race pits Jackson against Haynes for the seat currently held by Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett. As the campaign intensifies, the dispute over the polling location adds another layer of local controversy, underscoring the importance of ensuring that voting venues remain neutral and free from perceived partisan advantage.
Local election officials have not yet issued a final decision on the matter. Voters in Dallas County are encouraged to monitor updates from the Dallas Elections Board as the early‑voting period approaches.
Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.
