Ballot breakdown for Election day
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Updated: 10:53 PM Nov 2, 2009
Ballot breakdown for Election day
Tuesday's Election Day could also mean sweeping changes statewide. There are 11 new amendments to the Texas Constitution that made it onto the ballot. Maddie Garrett takes a closer look at those proposals and what they mean for Texas residents.
Posted: 9:27 PM Nov 2, 2009
Reporter: Maddie Garrett
Email Address: maddie.garrett@kxii.com
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Tuesday's Election Day could also mean sweeping changes statewide. There are 11 new amendments to the Texas Constitution that made it onto the ballot. Maddie Garrett takes a closer look at those proposals and what they mean for Texas residents.

There's a reason Texas has the second longest constitution of any state in the U.S. - all amendments need voters' approval.

"Tomorrow's a great opportunity for our citizens to get out and make that decision, do you want the constitution to be amended so that the legislature or in some of these situations cities and counties to do some of these things,” said Texas State Representative Larry Phillips, District 62.

On Tuesday's ballots --11 new amendments that could affect residents statewide. There's one to help veterans, some for property protection rights, and the big one that deals with eminent domain.

"Amendment number 11 is one that a lot of people are involved with saying we're not going to let the government use eminent domain to benefit a private party so that's probably the one most people are focused on, there's a lot of support for that amendment,” said Phillips.

But with everything on the table the different issues can be a lot to take in.

"They're always not that easy to follow and so there's a great opportunity to go online or contact my office to try to get information about what's behind the ballot language,” explained Phillips.

So here are the key amendments that directly deal with North Texas:

•Proposition 2 - Taxation of a residence homestead solely on the basis of the property’s value as a residence.
Not at the potentially higher commercial use - such as a parking lot or restaurant.

•Proposition 3 - Uniform standards and procedures for the appraisal of property for taxation.
Would ensure that property in diverse parts of the state are valued using the same generally accepted practices.

•Proposition 11 - Prohibits governments from taking private property for private economic development to increase tax base.
Limits the Legislature’s power to grant eminent domain authority to a governmental entity.

Phillips said now more than ever is the time to vote on the amendments.

"As the Metroplex is growing north and we're seeing a lot of changes a lot of development, we're going to need those kinds of protections for our homeowners,” said Phillips.

But the most important thing is that voters research the propositions and actively take part in their local government.

"I just encourage people to get out and vote this is an opportunity for them to get out and have a say in how Texas runs,” said Phillips.

Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. tomorrow at various polling places throughout the counties.


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