Today is election day! And now it's easier than ever to vote.
Here are the tools to arm yourself with enough knowledge to participate in the democratic process. KUT News has been reporting on all the propositions in advance of today's general election.
Ten constitutional amendments are on the ballot. Here are KUT reports on them coupled with analyses by the Texas Legislative Council (TLC).
- Proposition 1 would extend property tax exemptions to the spouses of disabled veterans if the veteran dies. (KUT report) (TLC analysis)
- Proposition 2 would give the state the authority to issue up to $6 billion in bonds for water projects across Texas. (KUT report) (TLC analysis)
- Proposition 3 would allow the state to issue up to $1.8 billion in bonds to finance student loans. (KUT report) (TLC analysis)
- Proposition 4 would allow counties to finance the development of “unproductive, underdeveloped or blighted” areas. (KUT report) (TLC analysis)
- Proposition 5 would make it easier and cheaper for local governments to enter into contracts with their neighbors. (KUT report) (TLC analysis)
- Proposition 6 would allow the Texas Land Commissioner to send up to $300 million each year to the state’s public education budget. (KUT report) (TLC analysis)
- Proposition 7 would allow El Paso County to create a parks district that could issue bonds and levy property taxes. (KUT report) (TLC analysis)
- Proposition 8 would allow the Texas legislature to allow for lower tax appraisals on open-space land devoted to water stewardship. (TLC analysis)
- Proposition 9 would allow the Governor to grand a pardon to someone who completes a term of deferred adjudication. The pardon would first have to be recommended by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. (KUT report) (TLC analysis)
- Proposition 10 would give local and county politicians running who are running for another office an extra 30 days before they would be forced to resign from their current positions. (KUT report) (TLC analysis)
In addition to the constitutional amendments, Travis County voters are also being asked to weigh in on two bond packages that would include almost $215 million in projects. (KUT report)
Some ballot questions you will find if you live in these areas:
- Lake Travis Independent School District wants approval of a $158 million bond package.
- The Lago Vista ISD is asking for a $29.6 million bond.
- Williamson County is asking for a $9.8 million bond for water, sewage and drainage.
- Travis County Emergency Services want to add a tract of land near RM 1431 and Trails End Road northwest of Austin to Travis County Emergency Services District 1. You can see a map of all the emergency services districts here.
- Pflugerville has 11 charter amendments on its ballot. The Pflugerville Pflag has this explainer. Check out the ballot language here.
- Round Rock has 10 charter amendments on its ballot, including one question over whether to build a $14 million events center. Check out the ballot language here.
- The Village of Point Venture is holding a municipal election for mayor and one council member.
- The Village of Webberville is voting on whether to adopt a local sales tax of 0.25 percent to raise money for street repairs.
Here's a video from the Travis County Clerk on voting centers:
