In West Dallas, concerns over alleged voter fraud have delayed the results of the District 6 seat on the City Council. A runoff is likely.
Supporters cheered in the back room of Tacos Mariachi, a restaurant on Singleton Boulevard where Omar Narvaez’s campaign awaited the results Saturday night. He was in second place behind the incumbent, Monica Alonzo. But he was just dozens of votes ahead of the third place candidate Alex Dickey.
Narvaez was happy with the results and hopes he makes it into a runoff.
“We’re just going to be doing the same thing that we have been doing and we’re really excited to bring on new team members. And win this thing on June the 10th!” Narvaez said.
Elsewhere in West Dallas, at Buena Vista Restaurant, the Alonzo campaign held its watch party. Alonzo was confident.
“The final strategy is to win," she said.
But what has stopped this race in its tracks are the concerns over potential voter fraud. Hundreds of District 6 ballots were being held Saturday night so they can be verified. Over the past couple of weeks, elderly voters claimed that someone allegedly forged their signatures on mail-in ballot applications.
Alonzo wants to make sure the voter fraud allegations are addressed.
“We are very excited to have the early voting results we want to make sure that everyone who voted has had the opportunity to have their voices heard," she said Saturday night.
Dallas County elections officials are reviewing the ballots in question. It may take several days before all the ballots are verified.
Jessica Diaz- Hurtado is an NPR Kroc Fellow. As part of her fellowship, she’s spending several months reporting at KERA.
