By Anthony Council
Correspondent
Texas Metro News
From property taxes to education funding, Texans made their voices heard this Election Day as they voted on 17 proposed amendments to the state constitution. Each measure has the potential to bring lasting change, with voters on both sides of the aisle holding firm their differing views on what should and shouldn’t become law.
Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price shared his thoughts on several of the proposals, providing a 2025 amendment guide for voters to reference before heading to the ballot. He expressed support for the First Amendment, which would invest in Texas tech schools and allow students to learn trades and use technology, calling it a definite “Yes” vote.
Regarding Proposition 6, which would ban Texas from ever taxing securities like stocks and bonds, and Proposition 12, which would change the makeup of Texas’s State Commission on Judicial Conduct and related powers, he suggested a “No” vote for both.
For voters, perspectives varied.
Barry Anderson, who has paid significant taxes in Texas, said, “I’m just voting because of all the taxes… I just don’t want it to be an issue in the future. I make money on securities and stuff, and I have a homestead exemption, so I want that to stay.”
Explaining his reasoning on specific amendments, he added, “Anything tax-related, I’m a no. I paid $300,000 in taxes last year… I don’t want to pay any more.”
Other voters, like Reggie Franklin, expressed concerns about how state funding decisions related to the amendments could affect programs that support families.
He said, “You’re getting $500 a month, and all of a sudden it gets taken away. How are they going to eat?” Franklin added, “ I think it’s important these benefits are supported, because otherwise you’re taking away help from citizens who need it.”
Allen West, retired lieutenant colonel and chairman of the Dallas County Republican Party, also weighed in on the amendments. He supported measures that reduce property taxes, invest in Texas schools, codify parental rights, and clarify voter citizenship requirements.
He opposed Proposition 6, which would permanently ban Texas from taxing securities, and expressed caution regarding bail-related amendments, citing concerns about public safety and financial impacts.
While both Price and West addressed bail and judicial accountability, Price focused more on public safety risks, while West emphasized fiscal responsibility and voter engagement.
As Election Day came to a close, Texans awaited results realizing that whether focused on taxes, education, or accountability, each vote reflects how Texans envision the future of their state.
