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Editor's Column

Six Percent Decide Constitutional Amendments
By:  Brooke Ulrickson Allen, Attorney, Brown, Dean, Wiseman, Proctor, Hart & Howell LLP

In early November, less than 6% of the registered voters in Texas voted on 10 Texas Constitutional Amendments – LESS THAN 6%! First, as one of the “six percenters,” I want to encourage the other 94% to get out and vote. These amendments impact our state revenues and budgets which I believe everyone can agree have been under scrutiny and debate the last few years. In addition, they provide more power to state officials, and we should all want to make our voices heard – for or against the additional power. Here are the results:

Proposition 1: Tax Exemption for the Surviving Spouses of Disabled Vets- Passed with 82.8% of the vote.

Proposition 2: Texas Water Division Board Authorization to Issue Additional Bonds Not Exceeding $6 Billion- Passed with 51.5% of the vote.

Proposition 3: Issue Bonds to Finance Educational Loans to Students- Passed with 54.5% of the vote.

Proposition 4: Permit County to Issue Bonds for Development- Failed with 59.7% of the dissenting vote.

Proposition 5: Allow City and County to Enter Interlocal Contracts- Passed with 57.7% of the vote.

Proposition 6: General Land Office to Distribute Revenue for Public Education- Passed with 51.5% of the vote.

Proposition 7: Permit El Paso County to Create Reclamation Districts- Failed with 51.6% of the dissenting vote.

Proposition 8: Appraisal for Ad Valorem Tax of Land Devoted to Water Stewardship- Failed by 52.9% of the dissenting vote.

Proposition 9: Authorize Governor to Pardon a Person Who Completes Deferred Adjudication- Passed with 57.3% of the vote.

Proposition 10: Extend Length of Unexpired Term Which Triggers Automatic Resignation- Passed with 55.9% of the vote.

For more detailed information, click here for the Secretary of State’s website.  Also, I hope Texans take a more active role in the future to determine the path of this Great State!