Texas Supreme Court Temporarily Blocks Extension of Harris County Polling Hours
The Texas Supreme Court has temporarily blocked a Harris County district judge’s order to extend polling hours at several locations after issues with voting machines caused delays on Election Day, March 5, 2024. The ruling came hours after Judge Eleanor Roberts issued the order, citing problems with electronic voting machines at 17 polling places.
Background of the Ruling
Judge Roberts’ initial order directed election officials to keep the affected polling places open for an additional two hours beyond the scheduled 7 p.m. Closing time. This decision was prompted by reports of malfunctioning voting machines and long lines, leading to concerns about voter disenfranchisement. But, the Texas Supreme Court swiftly intervened, staying the district judge’s order pending further review.
Justices Involved
The Texas Supreme Court consists of nine justices: Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock, and Justices Debra Lehrmann, John Phillip Devine, Brett Busby, Jane Bland, and Rebeca Hinojosa. As of March 4, 2026, Jimmy Blacklock serves as the Chief Justice, having been appointed in January 2018 by Governor Greg Abbott and subsequently elected in 2024. He was appointed as the 28th Chief Justice in January 2025. Justice Debra Lehrmann is the Senior Justice and the longest-serving woman justice in Texas history, with nearly 35 years of judicial experience. Justice John Devine was first elected to the Court in November 2012, previously serving as a judge of the 190th State District Court in Harris County. Justice Brett Busby was appointed by Governor Abbott in 2019 and elected to a full term in 2020. Justice Jane Bland has served in the state judiciary for 25 years, including service on the First Court of Appeals.
Impact on Voters
The Supreme Court’s decision effectively halts the extension of voting hours. Voters who were in line at the affected polling places before the scheduled 7 p.m. Closing time were still allowed to cast their ballots. The ruling impacts voters in Harris County who experienced delays due to the voting machine issues.
Previous Experience of Justice Devine
Prior to his service on the Supreme Court, Justice John Devine served as a judge of the 190th State District Court in Harris County for seven years and as a special judge for the Harris County justice of the peace courts for nine years. He graduated from Ball State University in 1980 and South Texas College of Law in 1986.
Recent Harris County Justice of the Peace Election
James Lombardino was elected as Justice of the Peace, Precinct 5, Position 1 in November 2024, taking office on January 1, 2025. He previously served as a Texas Supreme Court-Appointed Senior Visiting Judge and a Harris County District Court Judge.
Looking Ahead
The Texas Supreme Court will continue to review the case and determine the legality of the initial order to extend polling hours. This case highlights the ongoing challenges related to voting machine reliability and ensuring equitable access to the ballot box in Texas.