The Election Integrity Task Force was announced by longtime Tarrant County Sheriff Bill E. Waybourn, newly elected Tarrant County Judge Tim O’Hare and newly elected District Attorney Phil Sorrells during a Feb. 8 press conference in Fort Worth.
“We want to assure the good citizens of Tarrant County that we intend to pursue any complaints regarding election issues where there is evidence or probable cause that a crime has been committed,” Waybourn said.
The task force, made up of investigators and deputies, will look into complaints of election fraud. Existing resources will be used for the task force including current county personnel, he said.
Waybourn said there have been complaints filed for election misconduct over the last several years. The exact number of complaints reported in the county during the Nov. 8, 2022, election and other previous elections were not disclosed during the conference.
“We’re not concerned that the elections that have been held are invalid,” Sorrells said. “What we want to ensure to the public is that our elections are secure.”
Previously, complaints were directed to the attorney general’s office, Waybourn said. As of September, Attorney General Ken Paxton must get permission from local county prosecutors to pursue cases of alleged election fraud. Paxton has since filed a motion to appeal this decision.
To submit tips, leads or other investigatory information, residents can contact the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office at 817-884-1213.
“I have full confidence and faith that [the task force] will do an excellent job and make sure Tarrant County is known as the place that has the most secure and fair elections in the United States,” O’Hare said.
