Texans are once again heading to the polls, and this time, the stakes are high—not for candidates, but for the very rules that shape daily life in the Lone Star State. On Tuesday, November 4, 2025, registered voters across Texas will decide the fate of 17 proposed amendments to the state constitution, tackling everything from property tax relief and water infrastructure to education funding, judicial reform, and parental rights. Local council races and special tax propositions add to the ballot in certain communities, making this off-year election more consequential than it might appear at first glance.
According to reporting from the El Paso Times and other reputable sources, early voting turnout has already surpassed recent off-year elections. From October 20 to 31, about 24,202 El Paso County residents—roughly 4.7% of more than 518,000 registered voters—cast early ballots either in person or by mail. That’s a notable uptick compared to November 2023, when 21,148 voters participated early, and a dramatic increase over the 10,664 early voters in November 2021. Still, with no major candidate races on the ballot this year, officials expect overall turnout to remain modest, unless voters are galvanized by the issues at hand.
So, what exactly are Texans voting on? The 17 statewide propositions, summarized by The Texas Tribune and echoed in local news outlets, represent a sweeping set of policy changes. Proposition 1 seeks to create a permanent technical institution infrastructure fund and workforce education fund, supporting capital needs for the Texas State Technical College System. Proposition 2 would ban the state from imposing a capital gains tax on individuals, families, estates, or trusts—a move cheered by business advocates. Proposition 3, meanwhile, aims to toughen bail standards, requiring judges to deny bail in certain felony cases, including those involving murder and aggravated assault.
Water is always a hot topic in Texas, and Proposition 4 would dedicate $1 billion annually from sales tax revenue to the Texas Water Fund for the next two decades, starting in 2027. This initiative is designed to shore up the state’s aging water infrastructure, a critical concern for both rural and urban communities.
Other propositions span a wide range of issues: tax exemptions on animal feed (Proposition 5), a ban on new taxes for securities transactions (Proposition 6), and expanded property tax relief for surviving spouses of veterans (Proposition 7). Proposition 8 would ban any future inheritance tax, and Proposition 9 proposes a major increase in the inventory and equipment tax exemption for businesses, jumping from $2,500 to $125,000.
Homeowners stand to benefit from several measures, including Proposition 10, which would provide a temporary tax exemption for homes rendered uninhabitable by fire, and Proposition 11, which raises the school tax exemption for elderly or disabled homeowners from $10,000 to $60,000. Proposition 13 offers a broader increase, bumping the school tax exemption for all homeowners from $100,000 to $140,000—a change that could have a real impact on property tax bills across the state.
Judicial reform is also on the ballot. Proposition 12 would alter the makeup and authority of the State Judicial Conduct Commission, expanding the governor’s appointment power and giving the commission, a reviewing tribunal, and the Texas Supreme Court more tools to sanction judges and justices for misconduct. Supporters argue this will strengthen accountability, while critics worry it could politicize the process.
Health and science are not left out. Proposition 14 would establish the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, dedicating $3 billion from the state’s general revenue to research and prevention efforts for dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and related disorders. Advocates see this as a historic investment in public health, one that could have ripple effects for generations.
Parental rights are at the forefront in Proposition 15, which would codify into the state constitution the principle that parents are the primary decision-makers for their children’s care, custody, and upbringing. This measure echoes federal law but seeks to make the statement explicit in Texas’s highest legal document.
Proposition 16 clarifies the citizenship requirement for voting—a standard already in place, but one that supporters say needs to be spelled out unambiguously. Finally, Proposition 17 would authorize property tax exemptions for border security infrastructure in counties along the Texas-Mexico border, reflecting ongoing debates about how best to address border security challenges.
Local issues add another layer of complexity. In El Paso County, for example, voters in the Socorro and Tornillo independent school districts are considering tax ratification proposals that would allow those districts to increase property tax rates above the usual legal limit. However, these increases would be largely offset if the statewide homestead exemption proposition passes. Meanwhile, the Town of Clint, City of Socorro, and Village of Vinton are holding elections for seats on their local councils.
Election Day voting is straightforward, but there are rules to keep in mind. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and voters can cast ballots at any polling site in their county. Acceptable forms of ID include a valid Texas driver’s license, state ID, or military ID. If you don’t have one of the seven accepted IDs, you can fill out a Reasonable Impediment Declaration and provide supporting documentation. Sample ballots are available online through the My Voter Dashboard on the El Paso County Elections website and at VoteTexas.gov, but remember: you can’t use your cellphone or other recording devices within 100 feet of the voting station. Printouts and written notes are allowed, though, so plan ahead!
Texas law also prohibits firearms and clothing that publicizes candidates, political parties, or ballot measures at polling places. It’s all part of maintaining a safe and neutral voting environment. And for those wondering about other races—congressional, Senate, and statewide offices—those contests are set for the 2026 midterm elections, with primaries scheduled for March 3, 2026.
Organizations like the Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) are urging their members to get involved, emphasizing that issues on the ballot—especially those related to education funding and property taxes—directly impact retired educators and the future of public education. "Every vote matters – especially when it comes to issues that affect current and future generations of Texas educators," TRTA noted in a message to members. Trusted resources for researching the amendments include the Texas Tribune, The Texas Standard, and the Texas League of Women Voters, all of which provide nonpartisan summaries and explanations.
For those who missed the October 6 registration deadline, it’s still possible to verify registration status and review sample ballots online. The state’s official portal, VoteTexas.gov, remains the go-to resource for up-to-date information on polling locations, hours, and voter eligibility.
With so much on the line—from tax relief and infrastructure to education, public health, and the very structure of state government—Texas voters have a rare opportunity to shape the future of their communities. The ballot may be long, but the choices made on November 4 will echo for years to come.
As the polls open and Texans make their voices heard, the results of this election will reveal not only the state’s priorities, but also its willingness to adapt and invest in the future—one proposition at a time.
