Dallas Democrats granted early voting extension due to winter storm closures
DALLAS - A temporary restraining order has been granted to allow Dallas County polling places to stay open until 10 p.m. Friday after some polling places opened late or were closed altogether earlier this week because of bad weather.
Judge Tonya Parker granted the request to get the early voting period for the Democratic and Republican party primaries in Texas extended within the county.
Dallas County Democrats said the Dallas County Republican Party "refused" to join their effort to get an extension for early voting.
RELATED: Many early voting sites in North Texas closed Thursday due to weather
Early voting for the primaries ends Friday.
So far, only 1.2 million of more than 17 million registered voters have voted in the races to pick candidates for the fall elections. That's only about a 7% turnout.
But the final day to vote early is typically a busy one.
"I've been out of town and this is the first day I got back and I wanted to make sure I voted before I have to leave town again," said Rachel Jackson, who voted early.
VOTING GUIDE: Primary election & candidate guides
Before many voters knew the polls shut down Thursday, some tried to make their way out to cast their ballots. They left frustrated after realizing they’d have to come back to have their vote count.
"I was here to do early voting, but the doors are locked," said Carol Powers, who showed up to vote early in Mesquite. She is hoping to try again Friday.
"If they’re open. If they’re not, I guess I’ll just have to find time during the regular voting day," Powers said.
Collin and Denton counties closed their polling locations on Thursday. Polls were also closed on Wednesday in Denton County.
The sites reopened Friday morning in all four major counties in North Texas.
Election Day is Tuesday.