Early voting begins today in Texas, and here’s what you need to know before you go to the polls here in Houston.
This election includes 17 statewide constitutional amendments, along with local offices like city council, school boards, and community college trustees.
But the big ticket item for all Houstonians is another attempt at property tax reform.
“Proposition 13, which if passed would increase the homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000 for all residents under the age of 65” said Rice University professor, Mark Jones, who also noted that seniors over 65 will receive additional property tax cuts.
The big seat on the ballot in Houston, is going to be the packed race for the 18th Congressional District seat, formerly held by the late Sylvester Turner.
“The one that’s at the top of everyone’s mind, at least those that are watching politics closely” Jones told KTRH, with 16 candidates in the running.
As for what kind of voter turnout we can expect this time around?
“Generally, these constitutional amendments don’t cause a large number of people to turnout to vote” noted Jones, “In congressional district 18 there will be a spike, but by and large, you’re looking at voter turnout somewhere in the mid to high single digits of registered voters.”
On a different note, a backlog of voter registrations in Texas is blamed on an update to the Texas Election Administration Management system.
Several State Representatives have sent a letter to Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson warning that the problems may result in registered voters having to cast provisional ballots. The letter says that “Texans have done their part by submitting their applications on time,” but thanks to the backlog, they now run the risk of not having their ballots counted.
70 early voting locations will be open October 20 thru 31, from 7am -7pm daily. (Except Sunday, October 26: Noon – 7pm).
Election Day is November 4th.