Early voting began on Monday, October 20, 2025, across the state of Texas, with voters now able to cast ballots on 17 proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution. This year’s ballot has been described by election officials as one of the most expansive in recent memory, reflecting a wide range of legislative initiatives that, if approved, will shape state and local policy for years to come. Early voting will continue through October 31, ahead of the general election day scheduled for November 4.
The proposed amendments touch on a broad array of topics that span property tax relief, infrastructure investment, public education funding, water security, healthcare research, and changes to judicial oversight. The breadth of issues presented reflects not only legislative priorities from the most recent session but also long-term planning by state leaders seeking to address Texas’s rapid population growth, changing demographics, and evolving economic landscape.
Among the most closely watched measures is a proposal to allocate funding for the newly established Texas Water Fund. This amendment would set aside a portion of excess sales tax revenue to be used for long-term water infrastructure and supply-chain resilience—a move aimed at addressing increasing water scarcity in both urban and rural regions of the state. With drought conditions becoming more frequent, the measure has drawn interest from agricultural groups, municipal planners, and environmental organizations.
Another proposed amendment seeks to constitutionally ban the state from ever imposing a capital gains tax on individuals. Supporters argue that this change would strengthen Texas’s reputation as a low-tax state and attract continued economic investment, while opponents warn that it could further constrain the state’s already limited revenue options and increase reliance on sales and property taxes.
Additional amendments propose targeted property tax relief measures. These include exemptions for equipment used in agriculture and small business operations, as well as tax reductions for the surviving spouses of disabled veterans. There are also proposed changes to the way local governments issue bonds, which could impact funding for public schools, transportation projects, and emergency services. Critics of the bond-related amendments warn that they may complicate or delay essential infrastructure upgrades in fast-growing communities.
Education is another key area on the ballot. One amendment would increase funding for the Texas University Fund, which supports emerging research universities outside of the University of Texas and Texas A&M systems. By dedicating more financial resources to these institutions, the amendment aims to expand educational opportunities and strengthen regional economies. Advocates say this measure would help more students access high-quality education and prepare the workforce of tomorrow, particularly in underserved areas.
Healthcare also features on the ballot, with one proposed amendment calling for the establishment of a new research institute focused on treating and understanding dementia-related diseases. With Texas’s aging population and the rising prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological conditions, the initiative could have far-reaching effects on public health policy and funding.
Election officials across Texas have emphasized the importance of voter participation in this year’s constitutional election. While turnout in amendment-only elections has historically been lower than in high-profile general elections, the significance of the issues at stake could drive greater interest this year. The Secretary of State’s office reports that preparations at polling locations have gone smoothly so far, with counties reporting minimal delays or disruptions.
With the state continuing to experience rapid population growth, particularly in urban centers like Austin, Houston, and Dallas, the outcomes of these ballot measures will likely influence budget priorities, service delivery, and infrastructure planning for decades. However, the amendments also carry significant implications for rural and suburban communities, especially where water access, education funding, and tax relief play crucial roles in local governance.
Voters are encouraged to carefully review the language of each amendment before casting their ballots. Many of the measures involve technical changes that can have substantial fiscal consequences for counties and school districts. Advocacy groups across the political spectrum have launched campaigns to educate voters on how the amendments could affect their daily lives, with some pushing for approval and others raising concerns about potential long-term trade-offs.
As early voting continues, Texans have a unique opportunity to influence the foundational framework of their state government. Whether it’s ensuring access to clean water, preserving a low-tax environment, funding education, or enhancing healthcare infrastructure, the stakes are high. The decisions made at the ballot box over the next two weeks will help shape the state’s future—one amendment at a time.
