A short ballot, but ‘no’ to No. 3

The Texas Constitution is always in various stages of overhaul.

Beginning Monday, voters will consider seven amendments, some important changes to the much-amended Constitution of 1876 and others not so.

Locally, voters in 12 cities including Benbrook, Cleburne, Grapevine, Haltom City and Keller also will elect council members or consider bond issues or charter revisions. Also, Mansfield school voters will fill a board vacancy, and Godley school district voters will decide a bond issue.

For this election, it’s much easier to vote early than to wait until Election Day Nov. 3.

In early voting, registered Tarrant County voters may go to any of 28 locations to vote in their state and city or school district election. On Election Day, voters must go to that city or district voting box.

Early voting begins at 8 a.m. weekdays through Oct. 28. Next weekend only, polls will open at 7 a.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. Oct. 25.

Even if you’re not involved in this election, it’s a good chance to learn the local system and register if needed. Early voting in the 2016 Democratic and Republican primaries is less than four months away, beginning Feb. 16 and ending with election day March 1.

The Star-Telegram Editorial Board has reviewed the seven constitutional amendments and recommends:

Proposition 1: For increasing the homestead exemption from school property taxes to the first $25,000 of home value.

Proposition 2: For a property tax exemption for spouses of all disabled veterans.

Proposition 3: Against repealing the requirement that statewide elected officials live in Austin.

Proposition 4: For charity raffles at major league sports events.

Proposition 5: For allowing road crews in small counties to pave private roads.

Proposition 6: For establishing a right to hunt, fish and harvest wildlife.

Proposition 7: For dedicating a specific portion of sales tax revenue and motor vehicle tax revenue to highways.

This story was originally published October 16, 2015 at 5:52 PM with the headline "A short ballot, but ‘no’ to No. 3."