AUSTIN, TX – Early voting has officially begun across the Lone Star State, kicking off a crucial period for Texas residents to cast their ballots in a wide array of elections. From October 20 through October 31, voters have the opportunity to decide on seventeen statewide constitutional amendments and participate in numerous local elections, including city councils, school boards, and special congressional races. This election cycle, marked by significant proposed changes to the state’s foundational document, is also shadowed by ongoing concerns regarding the state’s updated voter registration system.
A Deep Dive into Texas’s Constitutional Amendments
The November 4, 2025, uniform election date features a substantial slate of 17 proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution, each requiring a simple majority vote to be adopted. These proposals span a diverse range of issues, from property tax relief and judicial accountability to water infrastructure and public safety.
A major focus for many Texans is Proposition 13, which seeks to increase the homestead exemption for school property taxes from $100,000 to $140,000. This measure is designed to provide significant property tax relief to homeowners by reducing the taxable value of their primary residences. Supporters argue it will save homeowners hundreds of dollars annually, especially as property values continue to rise. Alongside Proposition 13, Proposition 11 aims to bolster the homestead exemption specifically for Texans who are elderly or disabled, increasing it from $10,000 to $60,000, potentially shielding up to $200,000 of home value when combined with Proposition 13.
Other notable amendments include Proposition 4, which would dedicate $1 billion annually to critical water infrastructure projects across Texas, addressing aging systems and ensuring future water security. Several propositions aim to ban taxes that are not currently levied in Texas, such as capital gains taxes (Proposition 2) and inheritance taxes (Proposition 8), which proponents argue are symbolic measures to prevent future legislative actions. Proposition 1 also proposes to create funds for workforce training and support for the Texas State Technical College System. Additionally, Proposition 3 seeks to allow judges to deny bail for individuals accused of heinous crimes.
Local Elections and Key Contests
Beyond the statewide ballot, Texans are also electing officials for numerous local positions. Special elections are being held for key legislative seats, including the U.S. House of Representatives in Texas’s 18th Congressional District and for Texas State Senate District 9. These contests are often highly competitive and have significant implications for local communities. Voters will also cast ballots for city council members, school board trustees, and various other local offices, directly influencing the governance of their towns and cities.
Concerns Over Voter Registration System
As early voting commences, a cloud of concern hangs over the state’s election administration due to reported issues with the Texas Election Administration Management (TEAM) system. Following a comprehensive overhaul in July 2025, election officials across Texas have cited persistent problems, including backlogs in processing tens of thousands of voter registration applications.
Reports from county election officials indicate that the updated TEAM system has led to incorrect data population, such as previous addresses overriding new ones, and issues with voting precinct assignments not populating correctly. Some officials have expressed that the system is inconsistent, working properly one day and faltering the next, potentially compromising the integrity of voter rolls and the security of elections. These technical difficulties have prompted election officials to express worries about their preparedness for the current election cycle and have led to a letter urging the Texas Secretary of State to halt further rollout of new system features until existing problems are resolved. The potential for provisional ballots for some voters whose registrations may be in question due to these system issues remains a point of concern [initial context].
Accessing the Vote
The early voting period runs from Monday, October 20, through Friday, October 31, 2025. The deadline to register to vote for this election was October 6, 2025. Voters can find their designated polling locations and hours through their local county election websites or the VoteTexas.gov portal. Election Day is Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
As Texans head to the polls, the outcome of these numerous amendments and local races will shape the future of the state, while the effectiveness and security of the voting process itself remain under scrutiny. This election represents a critical moment for voter engagement and the ongoing evolution of Texas’s electoral landscape, making it one of the top trending news events across the state.
