Vote Nov. 7

Voters will decide on the fates of seven proposed constitutional amendments on Nov. 7, including one that grants property tax exemptions to the spouses of first responders killed in the line of duty and another that makes it easier to borrow against home equity.
Local ballots will differ by precincts, school districts, counties and municipalities as almost every entity has a spot to fill on its governing body or a bond issue to pass. The seven propositions approved by the Texas Legislature will be the only issues on every Texan’s ballot.
Mostly written in legalistic language, propositions can be hard to understand. Below, you’ll find the exact wording of each proposition.
Polls will be open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7. Early voting, which began in late October, ends Nov. 3. Nueces County voters can vote at any voting center in the county. For more information on other decisions on the ballot, check out the League of Women Voters of Corpus Christi website.

PROPOSITION 1
The constitutional amendment authorizing the Legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of part of the market value of the residence homestead of a partially disabled veteran or the surviving spouse of a partially disabled veteran if the residence homestead was donated to the disabled veteran by a charitable organization for less than the market value of the residence homestead and harmonizing certain related provisions of the Texas Constitution.
In plain language: Authorizes property tax exemptions for partially disabled veterans or their surviving spouses whose homes were donated to them by a charity for less than market value.
PROPOSITION 2
The constitutional amendment to establish a lower amount for expenses that can be charged to a borrower and removing certain financing expense limitations for a home equity loan, establishing certain authorized lenders to make a home equity loan, changing certain options for the refinancing for home equity loans, changing the threshold for an advance of a home equity line of credit, and allowing home equity loans on agricultural homesteads.
In plain language: Eases restrictions on borrowing against home equity. Also, lowers the maximum fees that can be charged for home equity loans.
PROPOSITION 3
The constitutional amendment limiting the service of certain officeholders appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate after the expiration of the person’s term of office.
In plain language: Unsalaried appointees who have not been replaced even through their terms have ended can serve only until the next legislative session has ended.
PROPOSITION 4
The constitutional amendment authorizing the Legislature to require a court to provide notice to the attorney general of a challenge to the constitutionality of a state statute and authorizing the Legislature to prescribe a waiting period before the court may enter a judgment holding the statute unconstitutional.
In plain language: Requires courts to notify the state attorney general of constitutional challenges to state laws.
PROPOSITION 5
The constitutional amendment on professional sports teams' charitable foundations conducting charitable raffles.
In plain language: Expands the definition of “professional sports team,” allowing team-connected foundations to hold charitable raffles.
PROPOSITION 6
The constitutional amendment authorizing the Legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of all or part of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a first responder who is killed or fatally injured in the line of duty.
In plain language: Gives property tax exemptions to the surviving spouses of first responders killed in the line of duty.
PROPOSITION 7
The constitutional amendment relating to legislative authority to permit credit unions and other financial institutions to award prizes by lot to promote savings.
In plain language: Allows banks and financial institutions to conduct raffles and other promotional activities to encourage savings.