Voting today? Here are a few things for which to cast a ballot!

I'm about to head to the polls. First, I need to find out where my new polling place is downtown. I'm hoping it will be the courthouse....

• Are you like me, and you need to know where to go to vote? Click here for polling locations.
• Click here to see a sample ballot for what you may vote on today.
• Click here to see a neutral interpretation of the ballot items, provided by the Texas Secretary of State.

Anyway, I'm heading out to vote for the following, among other things. Now, this election may not seem sexy! But, there are some VERY important ballot items if you are a homeowner or ever plan to be!
 
Here is a summary from the Texas Association of REALTORS in blue that I think it helpful for homeowners:

The Texas Association of Realtors endorses Propositions 2, 3, 5 and 11 which represent significant appraisal reform and protection of private property rights.


Voter turn-out was extremely low during Early Voting at around 2%, so your vote will be even more powerful.

Your vote is critical in this election, particularly because Propositions 2 and 3 have been targeted by a malicious misinformation e-mail campaign meant to prey on the fears of uninformed voters who may not understand the ballot language. Don't fall victim to this campaign. The bogus email has been denounced repeatedly by trusted resources such as the Dallas Morning News and state legislators around the state.


Here's what Propositions 2, 3, 5, and 11 will do:


Proposition 2 - Ensures that a residential homestead property is appraised as a residential property, not a hypothetical value based on “highest and best use.”

Proposition 3 - Allows the state to have oversight of central appraisal districts and enforce uniform appraisals standards across the state.

Note: Neither Proposition 2 nor Proposition 3 would give the state the ability to tax a residential property. Article VIII, Sec. 1-e of the Texas Constitution states that “no State ad valorem taxes shall be levied upon any property within this State.” Nothing in Propositions 2 or 3 change any language that would affect this strict prohibition.


Proposition 5 - Allows two or more adjoining appraisal districts to have a combined appraisal review board to ensure qualified and knowledgeable board members.


Proposition 11 - Provides private-property owner protections by placing in the Texas Constitution clear restrictions on the use of eminent domain, including closing a loophole that allows governmental entities to take well-maintained land on grounds of “blight."


My last thought is... if you do not take the opportunity to vote, you have no right to complain! I'm off to the courthouse. Have a great day!