Voted on the Amendments
After not voting in the last major election due to personal incompetence (didn't get my registration changed in time...), I took the time to vote on the 22 Texas Constitutional Amendments.
My precinct is 213, located at Graham Elementary School. It isn't far from my apartment, so I walked over there this afternoon once I decided how I was going to vote. It's located on Tom Adams Drive, itself off Braker Lane...but there wasn't a sign announcing the voting location at the intersection. There was a sign out in front of the school, but you'd never safelt see it from Braker while driving. The parking lot in front was empty except for three or four Buick-class cars.
My suspicions were confirmed with my entry: the only people inside were three elderly voting clerks and assistents. I confirmed my identity and displayed my registration card. They were pleasant people and I had no problems with them.
The new digital voting system is nifty. It took me a few seconds to figure out how to work the machine, but it was painless and quick. eSlate's Hart InterCivic may have a winner.
Here's how I voted:
Proposition 1: The constitutional amendment authorizing the Veterans' Land Board to use assets in certain veterans' land and veterans' housing assistance funds to provide veterans homes for the aged or infirm and to make principal, interest, and bond enhancement payments on revenue bonds.
No.
Proposition 2: The constitutional amendment to establish a two-year period for the redemption of a mineral interest sold for unpaid ad valorem taxes at a tax sale.
Yes.
Proposition 3: The constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation property owned by a religious organization that is leased for use as a school or that is owned with the intent of expanding or constructing a religious facility.
No.
Proposition 4: The constitutional amendment relating to the provision of parks and recreational facilities by certain conservation and reclamation districts.
No.
Proposition 5: The constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation travel trailers not held or used for the production of income.
No.
Proposition 6: The constitutional amendment permitting refinancing of a home equity loan with a reverse mortgage.
Yes.
Proposition 7: The constitutional amendment to permit a six-person jury in a district court misdemeanor trial.
Yes.
Proposition 8: The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to permit a person to take office without an election if the person is the only candidate to qualify in an election for that office.
No.
Proposition 9: The constitutional amendment relating to the use of income and appreciation of the permanent school fund.
No.
Proposition 10: The constitutional amendment authorizing municipalities to donate surplus fire-fighting equipment or supplies for the benefit of rural volunteer fire departments.
No.
Proposition 11: A constitutional amendment to allow the legislature to enact laws authorizing and governing the operation of wineries in this state.
Yes.
Proposition 12: The constitutional amendment concerning civil lawsuits against doctors and health care providers, and other actions, authorizing the legislature to determine limitations on non-economic damages.
No.
Proposition 13: The constitutional amendment to permit counties, cities and towns, and junior college districts to establish an ad valorem tax freeze on residence homesteads of the disabled and of the elderly and their spouses.
No.
Proposition 14: The constitutional amendment providing for authorization of the issuing of notes or the borrowing of money on a short-term basis by a state transportation agency for transportation-related projects, and the issuance of bonds and other public securities secured by the state highway fund.
No.
Proposition 15: The constitutional amendment providing that certain benefits under certain local public retirement systems may not be reduced or impaired.
No.
Proposition 16: The constitutional amendment authorizing a home equity line of credit, providing for administrative interpretation of home equity lending law, and otherwise relating to the making, refinancing, repayment, and enforcement of home equity loans.
Yes.
Proposition 17: The constitutional amendment to prohibit an increase in the total amount of school district ad valorem taxes that may be imposed on the residence homestead of a disabled person.
No.
Proposition 18: The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to permit a person to assume an office of a political subdivision without an election if the person is the only candidate to qualify in an election for that office.
No.
Proposition 19: The constitutional amendment to repeal the authority of the legislature to provide for the creation of rural fire prevention districts.
No.
Proposition 20: The constitutional amendment authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds or notes not to exceed $250 million payable from the general revenues of the state to provide loans to defense-related communities, that will be repaid by the defense-related community, for economic development projects, including projects that enhance the military value of military installations.
No.
Proposition 21: The constitutional amendment to permit a current or retired faculty member of a public college or university to receive compensation for service on the governing body of a water district.
No.
Proposition 22: The constitutional amendment authorizing the appointment of a temporary replacement officer to fill a vacancy created when a public officer enters active duty in the United States armed forces.
No.
The percentages and precinct turnout will be available here shortly. I doubt that even with the ad blitz for Prop 12, the turnout will be good. The book the election officials were keeping to mark the people who had voted looked empty indeed.
UPDATE(9/14/2003 4:40pm)
The results have been posted. Dismay, I greet thee.
Posted by Drizzten at September 13, 2003 06:46 PM