Collin County approves changes to Texas Constitution

Collin County saw a relatively tame election day, as 30,500 citizens cast their votes, the majority of which were in favor of the 11 constitutional amendments on the Nov. 3 ballot. The amendments were all approved statewide, and having previously been passed in resolutions by the Texas House of Representatives and Senate, the propositions will now be made part of the Texas Constitution.

Voter turnout in Collin County was at seven percent, with early votes cast between Oct. 18-30 totaling about 10,000 and election-day ballots at about 20,000. Collin County has approximately 409,000 registered voters. The lack of controversy surrounding the ballot, as evidenced by the overwhelming support shown in both the Texas House and Senate for a resolution that included its propositions, led to an easy passage for the 11 constitutional amendments.

Earlier Tuesday, election officials were estimating a turnout of around six percent due in part to the lack of local initiatives on the ballot.

“In the 2007 election we did have constitutional amendments, but we also had eight cities and schools showing an election, so there was more interest generated through the cities and schools,” said Collin County Elections Administrator Sharon Rowe. “This time the city of Farmersville has a local options election and Wylie ISD has three bond propositions, so there’s interest there bringing in some votes; but I think with nothing that’s polarizing emotions [on the ballot] that if there’s turnout today people have waited to check out the vote center opportunity, which means they can vote at any election day location.”

During the last election, voters had to find and travel to precinct-specific locations to cast their ballots. Collin County is one of four Texas counties that allowed people to use their choice of voting center during yesterday’s election. Rowe said the response to the new system from voters has been positive.

Governor Rick Perry commented on the passage of Proposition 4, which establishes the national research university fund to enable emerging research universities in Texas to achieve national prominence as major research universities.

"Texas is home to the finest institutions of higher learning in the nation and Proposition 4 will provide the funding necessary to allow additional Texas universities to achieve Tier One status,” he said. “This measure is an essential

step to ensuring our state is equipped to meet future challenges and will guarantee Texas continues to attract the people and employers necessary to sustain our quality of life and strong economy."

Breakdown of approved amendments

Prop 1: Authorizes financing methods for cities or counties of buffer areas or open space adjacent to military installations to prevent encroachment from development or provide for the construction of infrastructure. Passed with 52 percent of Collin County votes.

Prop 2: Allows the legislature to base property taxes solely on a home’s value as a residence without regard to commercial use value. Passed with 69 percent of Collin County votes.

Prop 3: Provides for uniform statewide appraisal standards for property taxes. Passed with 68 percent of Collin County votes.

Prop 4: Establishes the national research university fund to enable emerging research universities in Texas to achieve national prominence as major research universities; also transfers the balance of the higher education fund into the national university research fund. Passed with 53 percent of Collin County votes.

Prop 5: Allows the legislature to authorize a single board of equalization for two or more adjoining appraisal entities. Passed with 66 percent of Collin County votes.

Prop 6: Authorizes the Veterans’ Land Board to issue general obligation bonds in amounts equal to or less than amounts previously authorized. Passed with 64 percent of Collin County votes.

Prop 7: Allows members of the Texas State Guard or other state militia or military force to hold other civil offices. Passed with 79 percent of Collin County votes.

Prop 8: Authorizes the state to contribute funds, resources and property toward the establishment, maintenance and operation of state veterans’ hospitals. Passed with 70 percent of Collin County votes.

Prop 9: Protects the right of the public to use public beaches bordering the seaward shore of the Gulf of Mexico. Passed with 73 percent of Collin County votes.

Prop 10: Establishes four-year term limits for elected members of the governing boards of emergency services districts. Passed with 72 percent of Collin County votes.

Prop 11: Restricts eminent domain by prohibiting the taking, damaging or destruction of personal property for public use unless the action is for the ownership, use and enjoyment of the property; as well as limits the government’s authority to grant the power of eminent domain to other entities. Passed with 83 percent of Collin County votes.

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