AUSTIN –The ballot order for 11 proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution was determined through a random drawing by Secretary of State Hope Andrade.
“This November, voters will make important decisions regarding possible amendments to our state’s governing document,” said Andrade. “I look forward to again working with election officials across our great state to ensure that our elections process remains fair, secure, and accessible.”
Enacted in 1876, the Texas State Constitution has been amended more than 400 times. Proposed constitutional amendments must pass by a two-thirds vote in both houses of the state legislature to be considered on the ballot. These eleven amendments were approved for consideration by the 81st Legislature and require a majority vote to be amended to the constitution.
“During these summer months, I encourage Texans to register to vote or update their registration if their address has recently changed to ensure they are eligible to cast their ballots in November. I hope Texans will recognize the role they can play in our state’s future and head to the polls this fall.”
The last day to register to vote in November’s election is October 5.
Official Ballot Language and Order for the Nov.3, 2009
Constitutional Amendment Election
Proposition 1
HJR 132
"The constitutional amendment authorizing the financing, including through tax increment financing, of the acquisition by municipalities and counties of buffer areas or open spaces adjacent to a military installation for the prevention of encroachment or for the construction of roadways, utilities, or other infrastructure to protect or promote the mission of the military installation."
Proposition 2
HJR 36-1
"The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for the ad valorem taxation of a residence homestead solely on the basis of the property's value as a residence homestead."
Proposition 3
HRJ 36-3
"The constitutional amendment providing for uniform standards and procedures for the appraisal of property for ad valorem tax purposes."
Proposition 4
HJR 14-2
"The constitutional amendment establishing the national research university fund to enable emerging research universities in this state to achieve national prominence as major research universities and transferring the balance of the higher education fund to the national research university fund."
Proposition 5
HJR 36-2
"The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to authorize a single board of equalization for two or more adjoining appraisal entities that elect to provide for consolidated equalizations."
Proposition 6
HJR 116
"The constitutional amendment authorizing the Veterans' Land Board to issue general obligation bonds in amounts equal to or less than amounts previously authorized."
Proposition 7
HJR 127
"The constitutional amendment to allow an officer or enlisted member of the Texas State Guard or other state militia or military force to hold other civil offices."
Proposition 8
HJR 7
"The constitutional amendment authorizing the state to contribute money, property, and other resources for the establishment, maintenance, and operation of veterans hospitals in this state."
Proposition 9
HJR 102
"The constitutional amendment to protect the right of the public, individually and collectively, to access and use the public beaches bordering the seaward shore of the Gulf of Mexico."
Proposition 10
HJR 85
"The constitutional amendment to provide that elected members of the governing boards of emergency services districts may serve terms not to exceed four years."
Proposition 11
HJR 14-1
"The constitutional amendment to prohibit the taking, damaging, or destroying of private property for public use unless the action is for the ownership, use, and enjoyment of the property by the State, a political subdivision of the State, the public at large, or entities granted the power of eminent domain under law or for the elimination of urban blight on a particular parcel of property, but not for certain economic development or enhancement of tax revenue purposes, and to limit the legislature's authority to grant the power of eminent domain to an entity."
