Make our system work: Vote!

Living in a democracy requires constant participation. The basic unit of participation is your vote.

Early voting in the next election has begun, with election day on Nov. 5.

So what’s at stake in this election?

You will vote upon nine Constitutional Amendments, headlined by Proposition 6, which establishes a source of funding for the State Water Plan.

Besides Proposition 6, there are:

* Proposition 1 reduces property taxes for surviving spouses of military members killed in action.

* Proposition 2 eliminates an outdated provision meant to attract doctors to underserved areas.

* Proposition 3 allows aircraft parts to be located in the state for a longer time without being taxed.

* Proposition 4 reduces property taxes for disabled veterans or their surviving spouses who live in a home that was donated to them by a charitable organization.

* Proposition 5 allows homeowners to use proceeds from a reverse mortgage to purchase another homestead property.

* Proposition 7 gives certain cities flexibility in replacing elected officials to unexpired terms of less than 12 months.

* Proposition 8 repeals a provision requiring that a hospital district be created in Hidalgo County.

* Proposition 9 gives authority to the Commission of Judicial Conduct to expand the types of sanctions or disciplinary measures that can be imposed on judges.

I am strongly in favor of Proposition 6, as you might have seen from coverage of a news conference I attended with my colleagues earlier this week. I also strongly favor Propositions 1 and 4, which help service members and their families. As a member of the Veterans Affairs and Military Installations Committee I helped craft those proposals.

Remember, this is the first election that the Voter ID law will be in effect. If you know someone who does not have a photo identification, click here for a copy of the Election Identification Certificate application form. Information about the rules can be found here.

If you do not have a photo ID but are registered to vote you should try to vote anyway. The fact of the matter is that the Voter ID law is still in litigation in federal court, and many of us believe it is unconstitutional. If you are prevented from voting please contact my District Office at 915.351.3500.

You can find out more about voting locations by clicking here.

For the actual wording of the proposed Amendments and more information, continue reading below. For more information on the constitutional amendments, please call the Capitol office at 1.800.544.1990.

Sincerely,