Early voting in Texas begins on Oct. 23, 2023, with Election Day being held on Nov. 7, 2023. On the ballot, there are many decisions on the state and local levels that could affect Texas citizens. Below is a summary of each state amendment and local proposals that voters have the ability to make a decision on.
Amendment 1
Proposition 1 (HJR 126), is asking voters to approve the right for property owners to do farming, ranching, timber production, horticulture, and wildlife management on their own property.
Amendment 2
Proposition 2 (SJR 64), is asking voters to allow a county or municipality to reduce or exempt property taxes for a child-care facility. It would also allow the Texas Legislature to define what a child-care facility is.
Amendment 3
Proposition 3 (HJR 132), is asking voters to prohibit the Texas Legislature from imposing taxes based on the wealth, net worth, liabilities, or assets of individuals or families.
Amendment 4
Proposition 4 (HJR 2), is asking voters to approve the legislature to temporarily limit the maximum appraised value of real property for property tax purposes. It would also increase the mandatory homestead exemption for school district property taxation from $40,000 to $100,000. It would require the legislature to provide a reduction in the amount of limitation on school district property taxes imposed on the residential homesteads of the elderly or disabled. Members serving on an appraisal board in a county with a population of 75,000 or more, may only serve terms of four years.
Amendment 5
Proposition 5 (HJR 3), is asking voters to redesignate the national research university fund as the Texas University Fund (TUF), along with appropriating funds from the economic stabilization fund to the TUF. The fund appropriation could not exceed $100 million for the state fiscal year or an amount adjusted for the increase in the general price index, not to exceed two percent, in subsequent state fiscal years.
Amendment 6
Proposition 6 (SJR 75), is asking voters to approve the creation of a Texas water fund. The Texas Water Fund would be a special fund, administered by the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB). The goal of the fund is to assist water projects and ensure the reliability of water to residents.
Amendment 7
Proposition 7 (SJR 93), is asking voters to approve the creation of a Texas energy fund. The Texas Energy Fund would be a special fund outside the general revenue fund, administered by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC). It would be to provide loans and grants to finance or incentivize the construction, maintenance, modernization, and operation of electric generating facilities. The goal of the fund is to ensure the reliability or adequacy of an electric power grid in the state.
Amendment 8
Proposition 8 (HJR 125) is asking voters to approve the creation of a broadband infrastructure fund. The fund would be a special fund in the state treasury outside the general revenue fund, administered by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. The fund would expire Sept. 1, 2035, unless extended by the Texas Legislature.
Amendment 9
Proposition 9 (HJR 9), is asking voters to allow a cost-of-living adjustment to eligible annuitants of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS). The proposed amendment would authorize the Texas Legislature to appropriate money from the general revenue fund to the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts to cover the cost-of-living adjustment.
Amendment 10
Proposition 10 (SJR 87), is asking voters to approve the exemption of ad valorem property taxes for manufacturers of medical and biomedical equipment.
Amendment 11
Proposition 11 (SJR 32), is asking voters to approve the expansion of conservation and reclamation districts to El Paso County. The goal of conservation and reclamation districts is to issue bonds supported by property taxes to fund the development and maintenance of parks and recreational facilities. It would not limit the original conservation and reclamation districts currently in El Paso County.
Amendment 12
Proposition 12 (HJR 134), is asking votes to approve the dissolution of Galveston County Treasurer. The amendment would allow the Galveston County Commissioner Court to employ, or contract with a qualified person or county officer to perform the functions that were performed by the County Treasurer. The proposed amendment would only take effect if a majority of Galveston County voters approve the amendment.
Amendment 13
Proposition 13 (HJR 107), is asking voters to approve the mandatory retirement age for judges to be increased from 75 to 79.
Amendment 14
The Texas Wildlife and Parks Department (TWPD) is celebrating its 100-year anniversary. In recognition of this, the state is asking voters to approve the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund (SJR 74), separate from its budget, for the purpose of acquiring land and improving parks. The fund would have money appropriated by the Texas Legislature and would decide what it can be spent on.
Proposition A
Proposition A is asking voters to allow the creation of Denton County Emergency Service District 2 (ESD 2). ESD 2 would allow the funding and management of ambulance services to towns, and unincorporated areas in areas it serves.
Proposition B
Proposition B is asking voters to allow Denton County Emergency Service District 1 (ESD 1) to serve the area known as “Lantana” officially known as Denton County Fresh Water Supply District Number 6 and 7.
Proposition C
Proposition C is asking voters that if “Lantana” is added to the service area of ESD 1, it will take on its proportionate share of debts and taxes of ESD 1.
Early voting starts on Oct. 23 which is open from 7 A.M. to 7 P.M. and ends on Nov. 3. In the Argyle area there are four early voting locations. You can early vote at Robson Ranch Creative Arts and Technology Centers located at 9404 Ed Robson Blvouard, Northlake City Hall at 1500 Commons Circle Suite 300, Denton County Southwest Courthouse at 6200 Canyon Falls Drive, and at Briarwood Retreat Center at 670 Copper Canyon Road. For ESD 1 and 2 propositions, you can early vote at Fire Station 511, at 511 Gibbons South.
For Election Day you can vote on Nov. 7, at Robson Ranch Creative Arts and Technology Centers at 9404 Ed Robson Blvouard, Northlake City Hall at 1500 Commons Circle Suite 300, Denton County Southwest Courthouse at 6200 Canyon Falls Drive, and at Briarwood Retreat Center at 670 Copper Canyon Road. For ESD 1 and 2 propositions, you can vote at Fire Station 511, at 511 Gibbons South, Station 513 at 865 Copper Canyon Road, and Station 514 at 6801 Cleveland Gibbs Road. To find more information visit the Denton County election information on their website.
