LUBBOCK, Texas — The Texas Constitution is on the ballot this November, and the Lubbock chapter of the NAACP hosted a roundtable Tuesday night to help voters understand the changes and their potential impact.

The amendments cover a wide range of issues, including property taxes, water funding, criminal justice and tax exemptions for veterans and businesses. Experts in law, politics, taxes and water policy were on hand to answer questions and break down what each amendment would mean for local residents.

Milton Lee, President of the Lubbock NAACP, emphasized the importance of voter awareness.

“People need to know their vote matters. If you don’t vote, someone else is making decisions for you, decisions that may not reflect your values,” Lee said.


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Charlotte Dunham, Chair of the Political Action Committee for the Lubbock NAACP, talked about why the amendments are important for voters to pay attention to.

“Constitutional amendments are important because they’re going to affect your lives. That’s why it’s critical for voters to understand what these amendments mean and the impact they have,” Dunham said.

One amendment would dedicate a portion of state sales tax revenue to the Texas Water Fund, which could help meet growing demand for water in Lubbock and support local farmers. Dr. Melanie Barnes, a local water policy expert, explained the potential benefits.

“Think of it as a fund to improve the infrastructure of our water system in Texas, just like we have a permanent fund for improving roads. And frankly, I could live without a road. I can’t live without water,” Barnes said.

Other amendments on the ballot would affect property taxes for homeowners and surviving spouses of veterans, allow officials to deny bail for individuals accused of serious crimes, and adjust exemptions for businesses and residents on personal property taxes.


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Lee said events like the NAACP’s are especially important given historically low turnout in constitutional amendment elections. In 2023, only 14 percent of registered voters participated, he explained.

“If you’re eligible to vote, you need to understand what’s going on,” Lee said.

Early voting in Texas begins Monday, October 20, and Election Day is Tuesday, November 4.