In the upcoming Nov. 4 election, Texas voters will decide on an array of proposed constitutional amendments. Early voting begins on Oct. 20 and runs through Oct. 31.
“Texas lawmakers have proposed 17 amendments to the state constitution, and now Texans will have the opportunity to weigh in on each amendment,” said Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson. “This is an opportunity to make your voice heard about the governing document of our state.”
Several amendments focus on creating permanent funds for technical college improvements, border security infrastructure along the Texas-Mexico border, and bans on certain kinds of taxes such as a state capital gains tax, taxes on securities transactions, and estate, inheritance, or gift taxes.
Other amendments cover proposals to require judges to deny bail for certain felonies under specific circumstances, dedicate state sales tax revenue to the Texas Water Fund, restructure the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, create a Dementia Prevention and Research Institute and fund, affirm parental rights and responsibilities, and clarify that only U.S. citizens can vote in Texas elections. Propositions include: -Proposition 1 (SJR 59): Texas State Technical College funding.
-Proposition 2 (SJR 18): Capital gains tax ban.
-Proposition 3 (SJR 5): Bail Reform.
-Proposition 4 (HJR 7): Water infrastructure funding.
-Proposition 5 (HJR 99): Tax exemption on animal feed.
-Proposition 6 (HJR 4): Securities tax ban.
-Proposition 7 (HJR 133): Tax exemption for veterans’ spouses.
-Proposition 8 (HJR 2): Inheritance tax ban.
-Proposition 9 (HJR 1): Inventory, equipment tax exemption.
-Proposition 10 (SJR 84): Tax exemption for homes destroyed by fire.
-Proposition 11 (SJR 85): School tax exemption for elderly, disabled homeowners.
-Proposition 12 (SJR 27): Changing State Judicial Conduct Commission.
-Proposition 13 (SJR 2): Increased school tax exemption for homeowners.
-Proposition 14 (SJR 3): Funding for dementia research.
-Proposition 15 (SJR 34): Codifying parental rights.
-Proposition 16 (SJR 37): Clarifying citizenship requirement for voters.
-Proposition 17 (HJR 34): Property tax exemption for border security infrastructure.
For detailed information about each proposition, visit VoteTexas.gov.
Under Texas law, voters who possess one of the seven acceptable forms of photo ID must present that ID at the polls when voting in person.
Acceptable forms of photo ID include a Texas Driver License issued by the Texas DPS; Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS; Texas Personal Identification Card issued by DPS; Texas Handgun License issued by DPS; United States Military Identification Card containing the person’s photograph; US Citizenship Certificate containing the person’s photograph; and US Passport (book or card).
Voters who do not possess and cannot reasonably obtain one of the seven approved forms of photo ID may fill out a Reasonable Impediment Declaration (RID) at the polls and present an alternative form of ID, such as a utility bill, bank statement, government check, or a voter registration certificate.