17 Texas Constitutional Amendments On the Ballot in November

On Tuesday, November 4, Texans will head to the polls to decide the fate of 17 proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution—the most since 2003. While these constitutional elections typically see very low voter turnout, the decisions made will have a lasting impact on Texas communities for decades to come.

Constitutional amendments are the only ballot propositions Texans vote on at the state level. The proposed amendments on this year’s ballot cover everything from billions in property tax cuts to funding for higher education, dementia research, border security, and judicial conduct reforms.

Because these amendments directly shape state law and spending, voter participation is critical. A handful of votes can swing the outcome of statewide propositions that affect millions of Texans.

Among the 17 proposed amendments, Proposition 4 (HJR 7) stands out as one of the most important for the future of Texas water. If approved, it would dedicate up to $1 billion annually in state sales tax revenue, that exceeds the first $46.5 billion, to the Texas Water Fund through 2047. 

Prop 4 had strong bipartisan support from the legislature, but voters now have a chance to weigh in. This $20 billion investment over two decades would help tackle one of the state’s biggest challenges: ensuring a reliable water supply amid aging infrastructure, rapid population growth, and increasingly severe droughts. 

According to Texas Living Waters, “Texas water systems lose at least 572,000 acre-feet per year—about 51 gallons of water per service connection every day. That’s enough water to meet the total annual municipal needs of the cities of Austin, Fort Worth, El Paso, Laredo, and Lubbock combined. It’s a lot of water. If Prop 4 is approved, funds could be used for fixing leaky and outdated water pipes, expanding water supplies through projects such as desalination, flood mitigation and conservation initiatives, and upgrades to wastewater systems. 

Supporters argue the plan provides stable, long-term funding to secure Texas’ water future and support economic growth. Critics caution that large projects like desalination could pose environmental risks, and that oversight of the fund will rest with the governor-appointed Texas Water Development Board, rather than the Legislature. 

A new poll released by Texas 2036 shows that a strong majority of likely Texas constitutional amendment voters are prepared to support Proposition 4 on the November 4 ballot once they learn more about what the measure will do to strengthen the state’s water supply. However, with so many amendments on the ballot, it can be difficult for voters to know what each one means. That’s where nonpartisan resources come in. The League of Women Voters of Texas (LWV) publishes a Voters Guide explaining each amendment in plain language, with pros and cons included. The League never supports or opposes candidates or political parties, focusing only on helping Texans make informed choices. The LWV printed voters guide will be available at the Kinney County Public Library, and online at KinneyCountyPost.com and lwvtexas.org . Voters can also visit VOTE411.org to watch short, youth-led videos breaking down each proposed amendment.

For context, the Texas Constitution has grown to more than 90,000 words and 700 amendments, compared to The U.S. Constitution, which has only 27 amendments in 4,500 words. Each new amendment changes how the state spends money, manages resources, or enforces laws. Proposition 4, for example, will shape Texas’ water infrastructure—and by extension, its economy, agriculture, and communities—for the next 20 years.

Texans have a direct say in whether these changes become law. By voting, you help decide the state’s priorities, protect your interests, and ensure your community’s voice is heard.

Download the LWV Voter Guide HERE