All eight of the special Amendments passed following the November 2, 2021 Texas Constitutional Amendment Election. Several with overwhelming support from voters.
Those passing with more than 80% approval include allowing charitable raffles at rodeo events, property tax exemptions, and designation of an essential caregiver (who cannot be denied in-person visitation) for nursing home residents.
As typical, voter turnout was significantly lower, as most areas had no candidates on the ballot this year.
With 961 votes cast, Freestone County had a 7.77% voter turnout.
Below are the final elections results:
Prop. 1: Rodeo Raffles
Approved – 83.82% State – 84.7% County
This amendment will allow charitable raffles at rodeo events. Unauthorized raffles can be considered illegal gambling under Texas law.
Prop. 2: Tax Financing for county infrastructure
Approved – 63.09% State – 53.39% County
This amendment will authorize counties to issue bonds or notes to raise funds for transportation infrastructure in underdeveloped areas, something that cities and towns already have the ability to do.
Prop. 3: Restrictions on religious services
Approved – 62.42% State – 81.65% County
This amendment will ban the state from prohibiting or limiting religious services, including those in churches and other places of worship.
Prop. 4: State Judge eligibility
Approved – 58.78% State – 66.38% County
This amendment will required candidates to have 10 years of experience practicing law in Texas to be eligible for election to the Texas Supreme Court, the Court of Criminal Appeals, or a Texas Court of Appeals. Before, the law required 10 years of experience but allowed for out-of-state experience.
Prop. 5: Judicial misconduct process
Approved – 59.23% State – 61.35% County
This amendment will allow the State Commission on Judicial Conduct to have oversight of candidates running for judicial seats by accepting complaints or reports, conducting investigations, and reprimanding them. The commission, an independent agency created by the state Constitution, already has these powers over current judicial officeholders.
Prop. 6: Essential Caregiver Designation
Approved – 87.87% State – 90.65% County
This amendment will allow residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities to designate one essential caregiver who cannot be denied in-person visitation rights. Now that the amendment has passed, the Legislature will need to create further guidelines for these caregivers.
Prop. 7: Property Tax Exemptions for bereaved familes
Approved – 87.12% State – 89.78% County
This amendment will put a limit on school district property taxes incurred by the surviving spouse of a person with disabilities older than 65 who has died. The surviving spouse must be at least 55 years old at the partner’s time of death and still live in the home.
Prop. 8: Property Tax Exemptions for military families
Approved – 87.76% State – 90.53% County
This amendment will expand eligibility for residential homestead tax exemptions to include spouses of military members killed or fatally injured in the line of duty. Before, the exemption was extended to spouses of military members killed in action. The new eligibility will include people killed in action in accidental vehicle crashes or non-hostile events.
