Elections

Out of 17 propositions on the ballot this week, six were focused on property taxes. The Texas Newsroom's Blaise Gainey reports that added to other recent efforts by the state to reduce property taxes, the changes will cost the state north of $50 billion dollars. Proposition 3, which saw 70% approval with Lubbock County voters, will allow judges to deny bail to more people accused of certain violent and sexual crimes. The change means more people will likely remain in jail before their trial.

Proposition 3 requires the denial of bail for people accused of certain violent or sexual offenses if prosecutors put forth enough evidence. Experts are still divided on whether the amendment will bolster public safety and protect the due process rights of the accused.

Bids to raise property taxes in Austin, expand emergency services in rural North Texas, and clear the way for a new San Antonio Spurs arena were all on the ballot.

While most proposed amendments on this year's ballot focused on taxes, voters also showed strong support for investing in Texas' network of technical colleges and dementia and Alzheimer's research.

Lubbock City Council gave the final vote to repeal an updated ordinance that would’ve required permits, fees, and fines for electronic police alarms. For those who paid an updated permit fee in that time, the Lubbock Police Department is issuing a refund. Those who have not received their refunds by Nov. 18 are asked to call Alarm Permitting at (806) 775-3041. Just over 12% of registered voters in Lubbock county turned out for this year’s statewide election. That’s more than double the percentage of Lubbock county’s last constitutional amendment election with no local items on the ballot more than a decade ago. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren breaks down two of the 17 constitutional amendments that stand out as particularly significant for West Texas.

Election Day is here, with 17 proposed constitutional amendments on the ballot — and for the first time in more than a decade, Lubbock County voters won’t see any local measures to decide on. With the federal government shutdown now in its second month, Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schneider reports many of those veterans are struggling to get the health care to which their service entitles them. And the State of Texas has finalized a $1.3 billion settlement with Google for violating users privacy rights. Find a full list of Election Day polling locations here.

The constitutional amendment comes before voters at a time when Texas' population of older adults is growing faster than any other age group.

Tomorrow is Election Day in Texas, with voters deciding on 17 proposed constitutional amendments. Our Brad Burt reports that Lubbock County saw unusually high early voting turnout for this type of election — more than 13,000 ballots cast — though that’s still just 6.7% of registered voters. Statewide turnout remains low, with fewer than a million Texans voting early. The amendments cover issues from tax cuts to a multibillion-dollar state water fund.

If passed, the proposition would dedicate $1 billion a year to water projects.

Tax reform, along with bail practices, dementia research and the state's water supply, are on a ballot that includes 17 proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution. Early voting starts Monday. Election Day is Nov. 4.