November 3rd, 2009 Constitutional Amendment Election
ELECTION DAY – November 3, 2009 / 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. / (see below on where to vote on Election Day or call the County Clerk at 903-583-7488 or 903-583-4859)
Proposition 1
(HJR 132)
HJR 132 would amend the constitution to authorize the legislature to allow a municipality or a county to issue bonds and notes to finance the purchase of buffer areas or open spaces adjacent to military installations. The buffer areas would be used to prevent encroachment or to construct roadways utilities, or other infrastructure to protect or promote the mission of the military installation. The municipality or county may pledge increases in ad valorem tax revenues for repayment of the bonds or notes.
The proposed amendment would appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment authorizing the financing, including through tax increment financing, of the acquisition by municipalities and counties of buffer areas or open spaces adjacent to a military installation for the prevention of encroachment or for the construction of roadways, utilities, or other infrastructure to protect or promote the mission of the military installation."
For ___
or
Against ___
Proposition 2
(HJR
HJR 36 would amend the constitution to authorize the legislature to provide for the taxation of a residence homestead solely on the basis of the property's value as a residence homestead, regardless of whether the property may have a higher value if it were used for other purposes.
The proposed amendment would appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for the ad valorem taxation of a residence homestead solely on the basis of the property’s value as a residence homestead."
For ___
or
Against ___
Proposition 3
(HJR
HJR 36 would amend the constitution to require the legislature to provide for the administration and enforcement of uniform standards and procedures for appraisal of property for ad valorem tax purposes.
The proposed amendment would appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment providing for uniform standards and procedures for the appraisal of property for ad valorem tax purposes."
For ___
or
Against ___
Proposition 4
(HJR
HJR 14 would amend the constitution to establish the national research university fund to provide a source of funding that will enable emerging research universities in this state to develop into major research universities. The amendment would require the legislature to dedicate state revenue to the fund and to transfer the balance of the existing higher education fund to the national research university fund. This amendment would further require the legislature to establish the criteria by which a state university may become eligible to receive and use distributions from the fund.
The proposed amendment would appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment establishing the national research university fund to enable emerging research universities in this state to achieve national prominence as major research universities and transferring the balance of the higher education fund to the national research university fund."
For ___
or
Against ___
Proposition 5
(HJR
HJR 36 would amend the constitution to authorize the legislature to allow for a single appraisal review board for two or more adjoining appraisal entities that elect to provide for consolidated reviews of tax appraisals.
The proposed amendment would appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to authorize a single board of equalization for two or more adjoining appraisal entities that elect to provide for consolidated equalizations."
For ___
or
Against ___
Proposition 6
(HJR 116)
HJR 116 would amend the constitution to authorize the Veterans' Land Board to issue general obligation bonds, subject to certain constitutional limits, for the purpose of selling land and providing home or land mortgage loans to veterans of the state.
The proposed amendment would appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment authorizing the Veterans ’ Land Board to issue general obligation bonds in amounts equal to or less than amounts previously authorized."
For ___
or
Against ___
Proposition 7
(HJR 127)
HJR 127 would amend the constitution to allow an officer or enlisted member of the Texas State Guard or other state militia or military force to hold other civil offices.
The proposed amendment would appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment to allow an officer or enlisted member of the
For ___
or
Against ___
Proposition 8
(HJR 7)
HJR 7 would amend the constitution to authorize the state to contribute money, property, and other resources for the establishment, maintenance, and operation of veterans’ hospitals in this state.
The proposed amendment would appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment authorizing the state to contribute money, property, and other resources for the establishment, maintenance, and operation of veterans hospitals in this state.”
For ___
or
Against ___
Proposition 9
(HJR 102)
HJR 102 would define what is a state-owned public beach. The public, individually and collectively, would have an unrestricted right to use and a right of ingress to and egress from a public beach. The amendment would authorize the legislature to enact laws to protect these rights.
The proposed amendment would appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment to protect the right of the public, individually and collectively, to access and use the public beaches bordering the seaward shore of the
For ___
or
Against ___
Proposition 10
(HJR 85)
HJR 85 would amend the constitution to authorize the legislature to provide that members of the governing board of an emergency services district may serve terms not to exceed four years.
The proposed amendment would appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment to provide that elected members of the governing boards of emergency services districts may serve terms not to exceed four years."
For ___
or
Against ___
Proposition 11
(HJR
HJR 14 would amend the constitution to provide that the taking of private property for public use (“eminent domain”) is authorized only if it is for the ownership, use, and enjoyment of the property by the State, its political subdivisions, the public at large, or by entities granted the power of eminent domain, or for the removal of urban blight. The amendment would prohibit the taking of private property for transfer to a private entity for the purpose of economic development or to increase tax revenues. The amendment would also limit the legislature's authority to grant the power of eminent domain in the future unless it is approved by a two-thirds vote of all the members elected to each house.
The proposed amendment would appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment to prohibit the taking, damaging, or destroying of private property for public use unless the action is for the ownership, use, and enjoyment of the property by the State, a political subdivision of the State, the public at large, or entities granted the power of eminent domain under law or for the elimination of urban blight on a particular parcel of property, but not for certain economic development or enhancement of tax revenue purposes, and to limit the legislature ’s authority to grant the power of eminent domain to an entity."
For ___
or
Against ___
LOCATION (S) OF POLLING PLACES ON ELECTION DAY
WERE CONSOLADATED for the
November 3, 2009 Constitutional Amendment
To find what voting precinct you are in, LOOK ON YOUR VOTER CARD OR
call the VOTER REGISTRAR at 903-583-7488 or 903-583-4859
and they can tell you where to go to vote on Election Day.
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Voting Precinct 4, North Bonham, located at the I.W. Evans Elementary School, 101 E. 13th, Bonham, Texas /
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Voting Precinct 11, Leonard, located at the
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Voting Precinct 15, Ector, located at the Ector ISD cafeteria, 301 S. Main, Ector,
Voting Precinct 2,
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Voting Precinct 18, East Bonham, located at the Fannin County Courthouse, 101 E. Sam Rayburn, Bonham, Texas which would include: Voting Precinct 6, Dodd City / Voting Precinct 8, Gober / Voting Precinct 14, South Bonham / Voting Precinct 16 Windom
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Voting Precinct 19, Honey Grove, located at the Civic (Learning) Center,
Early voting by personal appearance will be conducted each weekday at:
Fannin
October 19, 2009 – October 30, 2009 /
Monday – Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Applications for ballot by mail for Constitutional Amendment
shall be mailed to:
Tammy Rich, County Clerk / Voter Registrar
101 E. Sam Rayburn Drive, Ste #103
Bonham , Texas 75418
903-583-7488
Applications for ballot by mail must be received no later than the close of business on: October 27, 2009 ---- Only specific reasons entitle a registered voter to vote early by mail. You may request a ballot by mail if you:
- will be away from your county on Election Day and during early voting;
- are sick or disabled;
- are 65 years of age or older on Election Day; or
- are confined in jail.
LOCATION (S) OF POLLING PLACES ON ELECTION DAY
for the
November 3, 2009 Bonham ISD Bond Election
To find what voting precinct you are in, LOOK ON YOUR VOTER CARD OR
call the VOTER REGISTRAR at 903-583-7488 or 903-583-4859
and they can tell you where to go to vote on Election Day.
Voting Precinct 1, West Bonham, located at the Armory, Civic Center, 1100 W. 5th Street, Bonham, Texas which would include: Voting Precinct 5, Ivanhoe / Voting Precinct 9, Ravenna/
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Voting Precinct 4, North Bonham, located at the I.W. Evans Elementary School, 101 E. 13th, Bonham, Texas /
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Voting Precinct 11, Leonard, located at the
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Voting Precinct 15, Ector, located at the Ector ISD cafeteria, 301 S. Main, Ector,
Voting Precinct 2,
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Voting Precinct 18, East Bonham, located at the Fannin County Courthouse, 101 E. Sam Rayburn, Bonham, Texas which would include: Voting Precinct 6, Dodd City / Voting Precinct 8, Gober / Voting Precinct 14, South Bonham / Voting Precinct 16 Windom
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Voting Precinct 19, Honey Grove, located at the Civic (Learning) Center,
REMEMBER: ALL registered voters can
vote EARLY at the Courthouse
from October 19, through October 30, 2009.
Early voting by personal appearance will be conducted each weekday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at:
Fannin
October 19, 2009 – October 30, 2009 /
Monday – Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Special Early Voting Locations for Bonham ISD Bond Election only will be as follows:
October 19, 2009 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. located at Finley-Oates School.
October 27, 2009 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. located at two locations, I.W. Evans School and L.H. Rather School
Applications for ballot by mail for Bonham ISD Bond Election
shall be mailed to:
Bonham ISD Admininstration Building
Attn: Freda Simpson
Bailey Inglish Campus
1005 Chestnut
Bonham, TX 75418
Phone: 903.583.5526
Fax: 903.583.8463
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ECTOR INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ROLLBACK ELECTION
Approving the ad valorem tax rate of $1.30 per $100 valuation in Ector Independent School District for the current year, a rate that is $.13 cents higher per $100 valuation than the school district's rollback tax rate.
For ___
or
Against ___
Where to vote in the Ector ISD Rollback Election will be as follows:
Early Voting: October 19, 2009 through October 30, 2009
at Ector Independent School, 301 S. Main, Ector, Texas
Election Day: November 3, 2009 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at
Ector Independent School, 301 S. Main, Ector, Texas
The below Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) have been compiled with the November 3, 2009 election in mind. We hope that you will take a moment to review these, as you may find the answers to questions of your own.
Q: I’m not sure if I’m registered; how can I confirm my voter registration status?
A: You can confirm your registration status by calling the Voter Registrar’s office at 903-583-7488
Q: I'm not registered, but want to vote in the November election; how can I be sure that I'm registered in time to vote?
A: The deadline to register and be eligible to vote in the November 3, 2009 election is October 5, 2009. This can be either the postmark date or the date the application is received in the office of the voter registrar. You may, of course, register at any time before that date to ensure that your registration is effective for voting in November. You can obtain a voter registration application from your voter registrar's office, libraries, most post offices, high schools, or from this office.
- To request a postage-paid voter registration application (you may also download an informal application at this site)
Q: I am registered to vote, but I moved this past year. Is there anything I need to do to make sure that I won't have a problem voting in November?
A: If you moved "within the same county" where you are currently registered, you must file the new address information in writing with your voter registrar OR you may submit the "in county" change online. The last day to make a change of address that will be effective for the November 3, 2009 election is October 5, 2009. If you missed this deadline, you may return to your old precinct to vote. You will be required to complete a "statement of residence" confirming your new address in your new precinct.
A: If you moved to a "new county", you must re-register in your new county of residence by October 5, 2009 to be eligible to vote in the November 3, 2009 election.
LIMITED BALLOT OPTION: If you have moved to a new county and have not re-registered in the new county by the October 5, 2009 deadline, you may be eligible to vote a limited ballot in your new county. A limited ballot means that you would be allowed to vote on measures in common between your former and new county. You may not vote a limited ballot on Election Day and you must be a current registered voter in your former county in order to qualify. If you feel you qualify to vote a limited ballot, we recommend that you contact the office of the Early Voting Clerk in your new county: Early Voting Clerk for State and County Elections
Q: I don't remember seeing my certificate lately. Is that a problem? Don't I just stay registered?
A: New certificates are mailed out every two years to the most recent address you gave to the voter registrar. If you do not recall receiving a new orange and white certificate in early 2008, it could mean that you have moved without updating, or there is some other problem with your registration. If the certificate was mailed to an old address, it was returned to the registrar, and you were placed on the "suspense list" in that county. This means you have a grace period that allows you to vote in the same county in your old precinct, but if you do not vote, your name will be removed from the rolls after two federal elections have passed since you were placed on the suspense list. If you did not receive your certificate because you moved to a new
Voting Without a Certificate - Voting Early - Election Day Voting
Q: I can't find my voter certificate/card. Will I be able to vote without it?
A: If you are a registered voter and you have lost or misplaced your voter certificate, you may vote without your certificate by providing some form of identification (see list below) and signing an affidavit at the polls. This is the procedure to follow if your voter registration is still current and your name appears on the voter rolls in your county of residence. You may also contact your county voter registrar to obtain a replacement certificate. Addresses and phone numbers of Voter Registrars
Acceptable documents are:
- a driver's license or personal identification card issued to you by the Department of Public Safety or a similar document issued to you by an agency of another state, regardless of whether the license or card has expired;
- a form of identification containing your photograph that establishes your identity;
- a birth certificate or other document confirming birth that is admissible in a court of law and establishes your identity;
- a
- official mail addressed to you, by name, from a governmental entity;
- a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and address.
Q: How do I find out if I am registered to vote or if I am on the voter rolls in the county where I reside?
A: You can check the status of your voter registration by using our search site, where you will select one of three methods for conducting your search. You can base your search on: 1. your Voter Unique Identifier (VUID), which appears on your voter registration certificate; 2. your
Q: Can anybody vote early in person, or is it limited to only those people who are going to be out of town on election day? What are the dates for voting early in person?
A: Any registered voter may vote early by personal appearance (in person). Early voting by personal appearance for the November 3, 2009 election begins on October 19, 2009 and ends on October 30, 2009. You may go to any early voting location that is convenient, as long as it is in your county of registration.
Q: Can anybody vote early by mail (also referred to as absentee voting)?
A: No, only specific reasons entitle a registered voter to vote early by mail (no longer called absentee voting). You may request a ballot by mail if you:
- will be away from your county on Election Day and during early voting;
- are sick or disabled;
- are 65 years of age or older on Election Day; or
- are confined in jail.
Q: I fall under one of the 4 reasons above. What do I do now? Are there deadlines connected with this procedure?
A: First, request an Application for Ballot by Mail (ABBM) from the Early Voting Clerk by calling 903-583-7488. Once received, read the instructions carefully, complete the ABBM form and return to the Early Voting Clerk. The dates applicable to the November 3, 2009 election are as follows: the first day you may submit an ABBM is September 4, 2009; the last day (or deadline) to submit an ABBM is October 27, 2009---this is NOT A POSTMARK DATE---the ABBM must be RECEIVED IN THE OFFICE OF THE EARLY VOTING CLERK by October 27, 2009 in order for you to receive a ballot by mail.
Q: Does a voter have to vote in the main election in order to vote in a runoff-election?
A: Section 11.001 of the Texas Election Code prescribes the specific qualifications necessary in order to vote in a
Provisional Voting
Provisional voting is designed to allow a voter whose name does not appear on the list of registered voters due to an administrative error to vote. It is much like the former challenge affidavit procedure in two ways: (1) it involves an affidavit the voter must complete stating the reasons he or she is qualified to vote; and (2) it is used if the voter cannot be qualified by the methods described above. The key differences are: (1) the cast ballots are kept separately from the regular ballots and (2) the voter’s records will be reviewed later by the county voter registrar, and the ballot is counted by the provisional voting ballot board (the early voting ballot board) only if the voter is determined to be a registered voter and other conditions are met. Provisional voters will receive a notice in the mail by the 10th day after the local canvass advising them if their provisional ballots were counted, and if they were not counted, the reason why.
Military & Overseas Voters
Military and overseas voters are welcome to use the regular voter registration and early voting by mail process available to all voters away from their home county on Election Day. However, there are also special provisions for military and overseas voters that are also available on our website. NEW: as a result of recent legislation, any FPCAs received on or after September 1, 2009 will be treated as permanent voter registration applications, making it unnecessary to submit the regular voter registration application.
Convicted Felons and Voting
In