Texans will weigh 17 constitutional amendments in the Nov. 4 election, voting on items ranging from a higher homestead exemption to funding water infrastructure.
Before voters head to the ballot box, they can learn about the amendments at a free, nonpartisan Constitutional Amendments Forum on Oct. 22 at Trinity Terrace, presented in part by the Fort Worth Report.
If you go:
What: Constitutional Amendments Forum, helping voters break down what’s on the ballot in November.
When: 6:30 p.m. Oct. 22
Where: Trinity Terrace, 1600 Texas St., Fort Worth
Cost: Free
The ballot language of constitutional amendments is often confusing, said Janet Mattern, president of the League of Women Voters of Tarrant County, a nonprofit organization and co-host of the forum.
“When voters go in, they think they’re voting one way, but then they realize that they actually voted against something they wanted to vote for, or vice versa,” Mattern said. “The language is usually kind of cryptic with these constitutional amendments.”
Other organizations hosting the event are SteerFW, NAACP Fort Worth, March to the Polls, and the League of United Latin American Citizens of Fort Worth.
Early voting opens Oct. 20 and runs until Oct. 31. Find voting times and locations close to you on Tarrant County’s website.
Amendments on the ballot include raising the homestead exemption, significantly increasing business tax exemptions, creating a water infrastructure fund, and funding dementia research and prevention.
The Texas constitution is long and complicated, Mattern said. It requires voter-approved amendments for initiatives like state programs, tax relief and special funds. As of last year, 711 amendments had gone to voters, 530 of which were adopted and 181 were voted down.
Constitutional amendments are more permanent than laws, she said, as they can only be undone through future amendment resolutions. Amendments are the only ballot propositions Texans get to vote on at the state level and will appear at the top of voters’ ballots, above any local races.
“When you see these amendments, ask: ‘Is this something that would be good to be permanent, or is this something that maybe should have been just a regular law?’” Mattern said. “‘Is it something actually beneficial to future Texans?’”
Constitutional amendment elections typically see low voter turnout, despite the ballot initiatives’ permanence. In 2023, 12% of registered Tarrant County voters cast ballots, versus 64% in 2025.
Mattern said her organization’s initiatives, like Wednesday’s forum and its online voters guide, aim to change that.
Drew Shaw is a government accountability reporter for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at drew.shaw@fortworthreport.org or @shawlings601.
At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.
If you go:
What: Constitution Amendments Forum, helping voters break down what’s on the ballot in November.
When: 6:30 p.m. Oct. 22
Where: Trinity Terrace, 1600 Texas St., Fort Worth
Cost: Free
Read more...