Texans have overwhelmingly approved a record-setting slate of 17 constitutional amendments, ushering in major changes to the state’s tax code, infrastructure funding, and public policy—even as voter turnout remained modest for this off-year election.
Texans Say Yes to Tax Cuts, Infrastructure, and Research
On Tuesday night, unofficial results showed
all 17 proposed amendments passing with comfortable margins. The measures, which appeared on one of the most amendment-packed ballots in Texas history, included:
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Property tax cuts for homeowners, especially those whose homes are destroyed by fire
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Bans on new taxes—notably, a prohibition on taxes for securities transactions like stock trading
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New state investments in water infrastructure, dementia research, and technical college funds
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Property value protections for counties with border security infrastructure
Proposition 10, which temporarily lowers property taxes for fire-damaged homes, received the largest share of support. Proposition 6, banning new taxes on securities transactions, passed with
58% of the vote, while Proposition 17, protecting property values in border counties, held a
60% approval rate.
Turnout Remains Low, But Up From Previous Years
Despite the high number of amendments, turnout was predictably low for a non-presidential election year. Just under
16% of Texas’ nearly 18.5 million registered voters participated, according to the Texas Secretary of State. That’s about 2.9 million ballots cast—an increase from the 2.5 million who voted in the last constitutional amendment election in 2023.
Political experts note that these elections rarely capture the public’s attention. “Few people vote in these elections. It generally isn't on most people’s radar,” said Brandon Rottinghaus, a University of Houston political scientist.
Local Races and Democratic Momentum
While the statewide ballot was dominated by constitutional amendments, some local races drew attention—especially in places like Austin and San Antonio, where controversial measures boosted turnout. In a closely watched special election for Texas Senate District 9, Democrat Taylor Rehmet came within three percentage points of flipping a seat that Donald Trump won by over 17 points in 2020. This near-upset has energized Texas Democrats, who see it as a sign of growing anti-Trump sentiment and potential momentum heading into the 2026 midterms.
What Happens Next? Certification and Canvassing
It’s important to note that
election night results are unofficial. Counties must still count late-arriving mail-in ballots, military and overseas ballots, and provisional ballots. The local canvass—where counties finalize their tallies—must be completed by November 19. The statewide canvass, which makes the results official, will take place by December 9.
What This Means for Texans
With these amendments, Texans can expect:
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Immediate property tax relief for certain homeowners
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Long-term investments in water, research, and education
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New limits on state taxation powersWhile the changes are significant, the low turnout underscores a persistent challenge: getting more Texans engaged in the democratic process, especially when high-profile races aren’t on the ballot.
Sources
1. All 17 Texas Constitution amendments on verge of approval
2. Voting - Click2Houston
3. Texas constitutional amendments results: Voters pass all 17
4. When will Texas election results come in? Here's how the process ...
5. Democrats see promise for 2026 in Texas Senate near upset
6. Voting - KSAT
7. A look at 2025 election results in Texas and across the U.S.
