OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The election commissioner has told some residents that he’ll reopen 27 of the 86 polling places he’d closed in Douglas County.

Commissioner Dave Phipps made the announcement Wednesday at a public forum in south Omaha. Local media reports four of the spots are in south Omaha’s Ward 4.

Community groups and Democrats have criticized Phipps, saying the changes that eliminated nearly a third of the polling places made it difficult for the poorest residents to vote.

As he listened to criticism at the forum, Phipps said he’s tried to find a balance between saving the taxpayers’ money while reopening polling places that are easier for voters to find.

Another community voter meeting is scheduled for Monday in north Omaha.