Texans Head to Polls for Constitutional Amendments, Local Elections

- Early Voting Window: Oct. 23-Nov. 3

Texans have a near-record 14 proposed constitutional amendments to consider for the Nov. 7 general election, with early voting starting Oct. 23 and closing Nov. 3. It’s the longest ballot since 2007 when voters decided on 17 measures on two election dates, and the third longest after 1987 when 25 proposals were on the ballot.

Some locales, such as the City of Houston, will use the Nov. 7 general election date for municipal office elections. The Houston mayoral contest is garnering much attention as it features 17 candidates vying to become that city’s 63rd mayor. The race is forecast to lead to a December runoff election. 

The two best-known candidates are U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Houston, and St. Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, two longtime Houston-area policymakers. Both can keep their current offices if they lose.

Voters in HD 2, a rural Texas House seat in Northeast Texas, will see a special election to fill the unexpired term of ousted St. Rep. Bryan Slaton, R-Royse City. Slaton was expelled from the Texas House of Representatives in May after the details of his sexual misconduct with a legislative aide were revealed. The race to replace Slaton in this GOP-stronghold district features six candidates, five Republicans and one Democrat. 

The Constitutional Amendments

None of this year’s proposed constitutional amendments is deemed controversial by veteran Capitol watchers but Proposition 4, a measure addressing Texas’ astronomical property taxes, will garner a good deal of interest from homeowners.

To make the constitutional amendment ballot, measures must receive two-thirds approval by the Texas House of Representatives and the Texas Senate. The Governor’s approval is not required under the state constitution. 

View the Nov. 7 Ballot

Questions? Contact TAB’s Michael Schneider or call (512) 322-9944.