Understanding your Constitution and why it impacts your life

The Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states any power not specifically delegated to the federal government is reserved to the states. All 50 states have constitutions to specify many powers, and these constitutions are as varied as the 50 states.

Our Texas Constitution is the longest, at more than 80,000 words. The unique characteristic of Texas government derives from our highly detailed and restrictive constitution. Policies that would be simple statute in most states require a constitutional amendment in Texas, giving the Texas Legislature explicit authority to pass specific laws.

The founders of the Texas Constitution did this to provide greater citizen input to government. As a result, these issues are put before the people for vote.

The Texas Constitution is a document of limitation: The state government only has the powers explicitly granted by the state constitution. The Texas legislation meets in odd-numbered years.

When members of the House and Senate approve legislation within the powers afforded by the Texas Constitution, a simple majority of each house followed by approval of the governor is all that is required to establish law.

Legislation proposed that is not explicitly covered by the constitution must be approved by a two-thirds majority in each house and be offered to the citizens for a vote. If a majority of citizens voting in the November election approve the amendment, it becomes part of the constitution. Future changes would require another constitutional amendment.

During the 2025 legislative sessions, 288 constitutional amendments were introduced: 17 have been certified for the ballot. The17 propositions on this year’s ballot cover taxes and tax exemptions, dedicated funds, judiciary, public safety, water infrastructure and personal rights.

Voter turnout in constitutional amendment elections historically has been low, but these elections are important to Texans and affect daily life in our state. Only residents may vote in Texas, and it is important for every citizen to participate.

The language in proposed amendments is typically brief and may be subject to interpretation by each reader. It is important to understand the effect a given amendment will have if enacted, to choose to approve or not based on your personal goals.

To prepare for the Nov. 4 election, there are many online sources to review the ballot and consider the consequences of each amendment. A web search “Texas amendments 2025” will provide links to several sites with explanations of each amendment, including the Texas Secretary of State, The Texas Tribune and the League of Women Voters among others.

Residents in the Boerne Independent School District (BISD) will also have a Voter Approval Tax Rate Election on the ballot (you’ve probably seen those big yellow “VATRE 2025” signs without much explanation). This is a choice to approve or disapprove increasing the BISD property tax rate by two cents per $100 taxable property value.

Like constitutional amendments, the BISD proposal must be approved by a majority of the residents voting. If approved, BISD will receive increased funding from property tax and an additional $0.60 per tax dollar from the state. These funds can be used for teacher and staff salaries, supplies and infrastructure upgrades to bring BISD standards in better alignment with other districts in our area.

Early voting runs through Oct. 31 and Election Day is Nov.4. Che ck the Kendall County Elections Office website for times and locations.

You must bring an acceptable photo ID to vote, such as a Texas driver’s license or ID, Texas handgun license issued by DPS, military ID, citizenship certificate, or U.S. passport (book or card). You may bring written materials into the voting station to help you cast your ballot (you may not use your cell phone while voting), but you should not leave that material in the voting station.

Remember: Only those who vote will make decisions that significantly impact your daily life. Your vote is important. Prepare and make your vote count.

To learn more, check out the Kendall County Democratic Party website: kcdems.us.

A. J. Carpenter is a local Democrat