Your Guide to the November 2025 Texas Constitutional Election
Texans across the state, including voters in Tarrant County, will soon decide on 17 proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution. This statewide, non-partisan election will not feature candidates but instead asks voters to decide policy questions that directly affect Texas communities.
Most of the proposed amendments involve tax relief, funding priorities, and public policy updates in areas like education, infrastructure, and justice. Because these measures can influence property taxes, local budgets, and funding for essential programs, every eligible voter needs to become informed and participate.
Voting Schedule and Deadlines
- Early Voting: October 20–31, 2025
- Election Day: November 4, 2025
- Vote by Mail Application Deadline: October 24, 2025
Voters can find information about ID requirements, polling locations, and sample ballots through the Texas Secretary of State’s official website at www.votetexas.gov.
Remember that this is a constitutional election, and every Texan who is registered to vote has the opportunity to participate regardless of political affiliation.
A Majority of the Amendments Focus on Tax Relief
Several of the proposed amendments aim to lower taxes for specific groups of Texans, including:
- Homeowners
- Businesses
- Elderly and disabled homeowners
- Surviving spouses of veterans
- Homeowners who had homes destroyed by fire
- Property owners with border security infrastructure
- Sellers of animal feed
Other propositions prevent the state from imposing new types of taxes, such as inheritance, capital gains, and securities taxes.
The Seventeen Propositions on the Ballot
Below is a summary of each proposition, written in clear language to help voters understand what is being proposed and who could be affected.
Proposition 1 (SJR 59): Texas State Technical College Funding
Creates two permanent funds to support capital projects and equipment for the Texas State Technical College System. The goal is to strengthen workforce training and technical education. Supporters say this ensures consistent funding for job-focused programs, while critics question long-term cost oversight.
Proposition 2 (SJR 18): Capital Gains Tax Ban
Prohibits the state from imposing any tax on realized or unrealized capital gains. Supporters see it as a safeguard against future taxation on investments, while others note it limits Texas’s flexibility in responding to future budget needs.
Proposition 3 (SJR 5): Bail Reform
Authorizes the Legislature to set additional standards for bail decisions, allowing judges to consider public safety risks and prior criminal history. Supporters argue it helps prevent repeat offenses, while opponents are concerned about fairness and jail overcrowding.
Proposition 4 (HJR 7): Water Infrastructure Funding
Creates a new state fund managed by the Texas Water Development Board to finance water supply and wastewater projects. Supporters view it as essential for drought preparedness and population growth, while critics raise questions about project selection and funding distribution.
Proposition 5 (HJR 99): Tax Exemption on Animal Feed
Provides a tax exemption on animal feed products. Intended to lower costs for ranchers and agricultural producers, this measure supports Texas’s farming and livestock industries.
Proposition 6 (HJR 4): Securities Tax Ban
Prohibits a state tax on the purchase or sale of securities. The measure is meant to ensure Texas remains competitive for financial investment activity. Critics argue it removes a potential future revenue option.
Proposition 7 (HJR 133): Tax Exemption for Veterans’ Surviving Spouses
Provides a property tax exemption for the surviving spouse of a veteran whose death is presumed to be service-connected. This extends financial relief to families of fallen veterans.
Proposition 8 (HJR 2): Inheritance Tax Ban
Prohibits the Legislature from imposing a state inheritance or “death” tax. Supporters say it ensures families can pass on assets without additional state taxation. Critics caution it limits future revenue flexibility.
Proposition 9 (HJR 1): Inventory and Equipment Tax Exemption
Creates a property tax exemption for business inventory and certain equipment. The goal is to encourage investment and job creation. Some local governments may see reduced tax revenue as a result.
Proposition 10 (SJR 84): Tax Exemption for Homes Destroyed by Fire
Allows a temporary property tax exemption for a home rendered uninhabitable by fire. This measure helps homeowners recover financially after a major loss.
Proposition 11 (SJR 85): School Tax Exemption for Elderly or Disabled Homeowners
Expands school district property tax exemptions for elderly and disabled homeowners. Supporters emphasize cost-of-living relief, while others note the effect on school funding.
Proposition 12 (SJR 27): State Judicial Conduct Commission Changes
Updates the structure and authority of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, which investigates complaints against judges. Intended to improve accountability, the change also raises debate over the balance of power among government branches.
Proposition 13 (SJR 2): Increased School Tax Exemption for Homeowners
Increases the standard school property tax exemption for homeowners. The measure would reduce annual property tax bills for many Texans but requires state funding to replace lost local school revenue.
Proposition 14 (SJR 3): Dementia Research and Prevention Funding
Creates a new state institute focused on dementia research and prevention, modeled after other successful state research initiatives. This would expand state support for Alzheimer’s and dementia-related programs.
Proposition 15 (SJR 34): Codifying Parental Rights
Adds language to the state constitution recognizing the rights of parents to direct the upbringing, education, and care of their children. Supporters call it a necessary safeguard, while opponents question its potential legal implications.
Proposition 16 (SJR 37): Citizenship Requirement for Voting
Clarifies that only U.S. citizens may vote in Texas elections. This amendment restates what is already established under state law but adds it to the Texas Constitution for clarity and permanence.
Proposition 17 (HJR 34): Property Tax Exemption for Border Security Infrastructure
Provides a property tax exemption for certain border security infrastructure. Supporters say it encourages investment in public safety projects; others are concerned about the financial impact on local governments.
Who Could Be Impacted
Homeowners and renters: Property tax exemptions and caps may reduce costs, but could shift school and county funding.
Small businesses and farms: Inventory, equipment, and feed exemptions may help profitability while reducing local tax bases.
Veterans and surviving families: New exemptions may provide relief to those who have served or lost loved ones in service.
Elderly and disabled Texans: Expanded school tax exemptions and homestead relief offer direct financial support.
Public infrastructure and education: New funds for water, dementia research, and technical education affect the future of state programs.
Becoming an Informed Voter
Voters are encouraged to read the full text of each amendment and consult non-partisan resources before voting. The Texas Tribune, the Texas Secretary of State, and the Texas Legislative Council each provide valuable tools to help Texans understand the impact of each measure.
Read multiple perspectives, weigh the potential effects on your community, and decide based on the issues, not political labels.
Make Your Plan to Vote
Attorney Leslie Barrows encourages every eligible Texan to vote during early voting or on Election Day. Participation is what ensures a healthy democracy and a government that reflects the will of its people.
Early voting runs from October 20 through 31, and Election Day is November 4, 2025. If you plan to vote by mail, your application must reach your county by October 24.
Stay informed, stay engaged, and make your voice count.
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