Greetings,

 Today is Election Day.

PLEASE VOTE!

Today is election day across the state of Texas.

Polls will be open until 7pm.  Voters will decide the fate of eleven proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution.

PROPOSITION 1: Authorizes financing methods for municipalities and counties to acquire buffer zones or open spaces next to military bases. The proposal could prevent encroachment next to the base and allow construction of roads, utilities and other infrastructure to promote the mission of a military base.

PROPOSITION 2: Allows the Legislature to provide for ad valorem taxation of a residence homestead solely on the basis of the property's value as a residence, not at the potentially higher commercial use value.

PROPOSITION 3: Provides for uniform standards and procedures for the appraisal of property for taxation. Texas lacks uniform standards, and proponents say this amendment would ensure that property in diverse parts of the state is valued using the same generally accepted practices.

PROPOSITION 4: Establishes a national research university fund to help emerging research universities achieve national prominence as major research universities. Those pushing the proposal say it will provide funding similar to what elevated Texas A&M University and the University of Texas to first-tier status, providing jobs and stature for the state. Others question whether now is the time to spend such money.

PROPOSITION 5: Permits the Texas Legislature to allow a single board of equalization for two or more adjoining appraisal entities. That means area appraisal boards can be consolidated if they choose.

PROPOSITION 6: Authorizes the Veterans Land Board to issue general obligation bonds in amounts equal to or less than amounts previously authorized. It would prevent the land board from continually having to seek legislative authorization.

PROPOSITION 7: Allows an officer or enlisted member of the Texas State Guard or other state militia or military force to hold other civil offices. This would correct what some say is an oversight in the state constitution.

PROPOSITION 8: Authorizes the state to contribute money, property and other resources to establish a veterans hospital. It's designed to speed up efforts to open a federal Veterans Administration hospital in the Rio Grande Valley, whose residents currently must travel to San Antonio to receive some VA hospital services.

PROPOSITION 9: Protects the right of the public to access and use the public beaches bordering the seaward shore of the Gulf of Mexico. This would block private developers from restricting beach access to the public, but some say it could infringe on private property rights.

PROPOSITION 10: Limits elected members of the governing boards of emergency service districts to terms no longer than four years. Currently, terms are two years.

PROPOSITION 11: Prohibits governments from taking private property for private economic development to increase a tax base. It also limits the Legislature's power to grant eminent domain authority to a governmental entity.

HOUSTON:

The most notable contested race today in Texas is probably the race for Mayor of Houston.  If you live in Houston, don't sit this election out!

Here's why you should vote for Annise Parker for Houston Mayor:

  • Annise is the best candidate for the job. 
    • Annise Parker has what it takes to manage Houston through tough economic times.
    • As City Controller, Annise directs Houston’s financial investments and manages billions of tax dollars. Because of her fiscal responsibility and leadership, Houston is stronger today than other major cities that gambled their futures on risky investments and irresponsible budgets.
    • Annise has a plan to create jobs, secure Houston’s future as the headquarters for new energy development, and maintain fiscal responsibility. As Mayor, Annise will fight to create good-paying jobs using national stimulus program and local funds – and to make sure the paychecks go to Houston families.
    • At every step of the way, Annise has worked hard to make Houston better and improve the quality of life for Houstonians.
  • Additionally, Annise Parker would be the first openly lesbian mayor of any of the 25 largest cities in the United States. 
  • Her election would demonstrate that sexual orientation does not matter to Texans when electing qualified public servants. 
  • Annise Parker's election to office is a critical opportunity to advance equality in Houston and in Texas.

Exercise Your Right as a Citizen

VOTE!

advocates and lobbies for the elimination of discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity/expression.  We envision a state where all Texans are treated equally, with dignity and respect.