On Nov. 4, Texas voters will have the opportunity to share their opinions on 17 proposed amendments to the Texas constitution. Earlier this year, a two-thirds majority of the state legislature passed joint resolutions arranging for these elections as well as determining the state’s budget for the next two years. Although the November amendment elections do not get as much publicity as federal or gubernatorial elections, we currently have the power to decide on the future of Texas for decades to come.
Historically, Texas has had one of the lowest turnouts for young adults in the nation. For example, during the 2022 midterm elections, only 49% of registered Texas voters aged 18-24 voted, compared to 86% of voters 65 and older. Some reasons for the low turnout might be lack of on-campus polling during early voting and low awareness of the issues at hand.
As the current youth of Texas, we’re often the ones most affected by policies pertaining to education, healthcare and economic equity, all topics impacted by these amendments. With the amendments’ potential passage, we may have to shoulder the financial burden of maintaining the state’s infrastructure we don’t make the time to vote, then we will be underrepresented when considering the future of the state. While the 17 amendments are directly correlated to the future funding allocation in Texas, there are at least three that affect students and young adults in Texas the most.
As the current youth of Texas, we’re often the ones most affected by policies pertaining to education, healthcare and economic equity, all topics impacted by these amendments.
Proposition 9 makes the process of running a startup or launching one’s dream business more affordable in Texas by exempting up to $125,000 in equipment from property taxes for small and mid-size businesses. While critics may argue that providing small businesses with a tax break may reduce local government revenue, thus impacting funding for healthcare and other infrastructure, the exemption is capped at $125,000 and is aimed as a relief for small businesses. This allows smaller businesses to be on a more even playing field with large corporations, especially those that already use tax breaks created by lobbyists and loopholes. If passed, this amendment could be the deciding factor between a student startup surviving or collapsing in its first year.
Another important amendment is Proposition 14, which would create a $3 billion fund for research and prevention of dementia related diseases. This proposition can expand the research internships and biotechnology opportunities in Texas, specifically for students in the natural or brain sciences. Furthermore, it provides new insights on how to treat dementia or dementia-related diseases that occur within the aging population.
Currently, there are over 7 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s and long term healthcare costs for people living with dementia is projected to reach nearly $1 trillion by 2050. The new institute could provide more pathways into minimizing the effects of dementia, thus decreasing the number of people affected by dementia and decreasing the financial burden to those suffering from dementia-related illness. Even beyond academic and career advancement, most of us will know someone impacted by dementia at some point. In 2025, there are about half a million people at risk for dementia and this number will rise to a million new cases by 2060. The funding provided through this amendment can help solve one of the biggest public health challenges of our generation.
Finally, there’s Proposition 15, the Parental Rights Amendment. This would enforce a parent’s “right” to direct their child’s education. Supporters of the bill argue that it keeps parents more involved in their children’s education. However, this bill actually promotes censorship in school, as it includes provisions that would suppress sex education and allow for more book bans.
While this law would primarily affect students in grades K-12, it matters for everyone and could have lasting detrimental effects on Texas’ quality of education in the years to come. The amendment focuses on allowing parental preferences to dictate whether students are taught about essential topics including racism, LGBTQ+ history and sexual health. By banning books and erasing these discussions, schools are teaching students that some lives are too controversial to be acknowledged.
While this law would primarily affect students in grades K-12, it matters for everyone and could have lasting detrimental effects on Texas’ quality of education in the years to come.
This bill teaches impressionable students that the struggles of marginalized communities should be hidden for someone else’s comfort, allowing their education to be hindered because of conservative fearmongering. Once these students become fully functioning adults, they will support policies and beliefs restricting marginalized groups due to ignorance on such topics. The effect doesn’t just stop at education; it prevents young students from accessing a well-rounded curriculum in which ignorance is chosen over empathy and compassion.
These amendments may not gain as much publicity as those passed by the federal government, they are still relevant in shaping the future of Texas. If we don’t take the time to learn about these propositions and understand how they affect our future, then we will face a Texas saddled with poor infrastructure and restrictive education standards. As part of National Voter Education Week, students should attend the Voter Education Event on Oct. 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Activity Center Atrium. Students who are registered voters should turn out on election day, Nov. 4, or prepare for early voting that runs from Oct. 20-31. Non-registered students should register to vote through Vote Texas by Oct. 6, the registration deadline.
Students who are registered voters should turn out on election day, Nov. 4, or prepare for early voting that runs from Oct. 20-31.
In order to be eligible to vote this November, one must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of the county where they submit the application, at least 18 years old by Nov. 4, not a convicted felon and not legally declared to be totally or partially mentally incapacitated without the right to vote. Who actually qualifies for mail-in-ballots is highly regulated in Texas; individuals can vote by mail if they are 65 or older by Nov. 4, will not be their registered county during the voting period, have a disability that prevents them from voting at the polls, are expected to give birth within three weeks of election day or are confined in jail while still being eligible voters.
It’s up to us as students to stay educated and take a stand. If you care about making our state a better place to live, make sure to register and vote in the November elections to make your voice heard.