Early voting across Texas commences today, Monday, October 20, 2025, ushering in a critical period for voters to cast their ballots on 17 proposed amendments to the state constitution and a variety of local offices. This election cycle, particularly in Houston, is marked by significant local races and a wide-ranging set of propositions designed to shape the future of property taxes, infrastructure, and governance in the Lone Star State. The early voting period will continue through Friday, October 31, culminating in Election Day on Tuesday, November 4.
A Deep Dive into the 17 Constitutional Amendments
Texans statewide will decide on 17 distinct propositions, a process that allows citizens to directly influence the state’s foundational document. A significant portion of these amendments are focused on property tax relief, a perennial concern for homeowners and businesses. Proposition 13, for instance, seeks to increase the homestead exemption for school property taxes from $100,000 to $140,000, a measure that could benefit approximately 5.7 million Texas homeowners. Another key proposal, Proposition 11, aims to further enhance exemptions for seniors and individuals with disabilities, potentially shielding up to $200,000 of their homestead value from school taxes when combined with Proposition 13.
Beyond property taxes, voters will consider propositions that would enact bans on capital gains, inheritance, and securities taxes, reflecting a broader push towards tax reduction. Propositions 1 and 4 address crucial state investments, with one establishing a fund to bolster Texas State Technical Colleges and another creating a Texas Water Fund to finance long-term water infrastructure projects. Other amendments touch upon judicial conduct, parental rights, and election integrity, including a measure to specify that only U.S. citizens are eligible to vote in Texas elections.
Key Local Contests and the 18th Congressional District Race
In addition to the statewide ballot measures, many Texans will participate in local elections for city councils, school boards, and community college trustees. A particularly high-profile race drawing significant attention is the special election for Texas’ 18th Congressional District in Houston. This contest features a crowded field of 16 candidates vying to fill the vacancy left by the late U.S. Representative Sylvester Turner. Prominent among the Democratic contenders are Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee and former Houston City Council member Amanda Edwards, who are leading in early polling. The race is expected to be competitive and may head to a runoff.
Voter Registration Challenges Amid System Overhaul
The commencement of early voting comes amidst ongoing concerns regarding a backlog of voter registration applications. These delays are largely attributed to a recent overhaul of the Texas Election Administration Management (TEAM) system, the state’s centralized voter registration database. Election officials across the state have reported difficulties with the updated system, including issues with data processing, address overrides, and precinct population. While progress has been made in clearing backlogs, particularly in large counties like Harris, there remain concerns that some voters may be forced to cast provisional ballots. Election officials have formally voiced these concerns, urging the state to address the system’s problems to ensure the integrity of the upcoming election.
Turnout Expectations and How to Vote
Historically, turnout for Texas elections featuring constitutional amendments tends to be in the mid to high single digits of registered voters, though special races like the 18th Congressional District contest are anticipated to generate higher participation. Texas, as a whole, has seen voter turnout rates that generally lag behind national averages, particularly in non-presidential election cycles.
Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson reminds voters that early voting offers a convenient opportunity to cast their ballot at any polling location within their county of registration. Voters will need to present an acceptable form of photo identification to vote in person. For comprehensive information on polling locations, sample ballots, and voter registration status, Texans are directed to VoteTexas.gov, the state’s official online voting resource.
As early voting begins, Texas voters face a crucial period to shape the state’s future through their participation in these numerous elections. The current news buzz in Texas centers on these propositions and races, emphasizing the importance of voter engagement in this pivotal election cycle.
