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The Texas Constitution is a long and detailed document. Voters are frequently called upon to make changes in the Texas Constitution and have approved around 400 changes since its original adoption in 1876. Proposed amendments go to the voters if they are first approved by two-thirds of the members of both the Texas House and the Texas Senate. The governor cannot approve or veto a constitutional amendment. That right is left to the voters of the state.
There will be 22 proposed constitutional amendments on the ballot this year for Texas voters to consider. This year the election will be held Saturday, September 13. It will be important for voters to remember to vote in the election and to be aware of the issues being presented.
There are some important dates to remember regarding the September 13 election date. If you are not registered to vote and wish to register in time to vote in the election, August 14 is the last day to register. You can obtain a voter registration application by contacting your local Voter Registrar's office. In Fannin County, the phone number for the Voter Registrar is (903) 583-7488. In Grayson County, the number is (903) 893-8683. You can also obtain an application online at www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/voter/reqvr.shtml.
The first date to apply for a ballot by mail for this election is July 15; the last day is September 5. Early voting begins August 27 and runs through September 9. August 27 is Lyndon Baines Johnson Day and polls are not required to be open. Before voting on that day, check to make sure your poll will be open.
Over the next several weeks I will discuss the amendments being proposed in the order that they appear on the ballot. You can view a complete list of the proposed constitutional amendments with analyses online at www.tlc.state.tx.us/research/pubs.htm.
I encourage you to contact me if I may be of assistance with any issues dealing with state government. You can reach me by writing to P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768-2910 or by e-mailing me at larry.phillips@house.state.tx.us.
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