FORT WORTH, Texas – The Tarrant County election integrity task force, launched in 2023 by County Judge Tim O’Hare, District Attorney Phil Sorrells and Sheriff Bill Waybourn, has completed its first major review of public complaints. Of the 193 allegations received, two have been identified as violations of Texas election law and are moving toward prosecution.
Task force structure and workload
The task force is composed of two county attorneys, two investigators and one sheriff’s deputy. While the unit focuses on election‑related matters, its members continue to handle their regular duties, meaning the 193 complaints represent less than 0.1% of the 175,000 criminal matters the district attorney’s office investigated during the same period.
Each complaint is examined until a conclusion is reached, according to District Attorney Sorrells. The mission, as stated by the office, is simple: investigate complaints, establish the facts and prosecute any Texas law violations.
Findings and legal actions
Two of the complaints have resulted in formal legal action. One case is already under indictment, and a second is expected to be presented to a grand jury, though details of both cases were not disclosed.
In addition, the task force reported that it investigated fewer than 0.01% of registered voters—about 145 individuals—for potential non‑citizenship issues. The most recent criminal case involved a Mexican citizen charged with voting illegally in 2024 using a stolen identity.
Funding and oversight
The task force’s initial expenses included roughly $1,800 in travel and conference fees for two attorneys who attended the 2023 Election Law Seminar for County Election Officials in Austin. Since then, no dedicated budget has been set aside; members address election complaints as part of their everyday responsibilities.
During a Tarrant County Commissioners Court meeting in early August, Sorrells provided a high‑level overview of the task force’s work. Commissioner Alisa Simmons, who opposed the task force’s creation, requested a more detailed briefing, noting concerns about resource allocation and the need for transparent standards.
Political context
Commissioner Simmons, who is challenging Judge O’Hare for the countywide judge seat in the upcoming November election, emphasized that protecting election integrity should not become a partisan branding exercise. She cited recent changes in the county’s election administration, including the resignation of former elections administrator Heider Garcia and reductions in polling locations approved by the Republican‑controlled board.
Commissioner Matt Krause praised the task force, saying that thorough investigations, even if they uncover no wrongdoing, bolster public confidence in the electoral system.
Looking ahead
District Attorney Sorrells is also on the November ballot, facing Democratic attorney Tiffany Burks. Election Day is set for Nov. 3, with early voting scheduled for Oct. 19‑30 and voter registration closing on Oct. 5.
The task force’s work underscores Tarrant County’s commitment to safeguarding elections while respecting the constitutional rights of voters and ensuring that any alleged violations are addressed through proper legal channels.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
