About 4.7% of El Paso County voters cast early ballots in the November uniform election that carries 17 state propositions and, for those who live in the Socorro and Tornillo school districts, tax ratification proposals.
Early voting, which ran Oct. 20-31, saw 24,202 total in-person and mail-in votes – a typically small turnout for an off-year election with no major candidate races on the ballot. El Paso County has more than 518,000 registered voters who are eligible for this year’s election.
Early voting in the November 2023 election – which included a bond issue for the Canutillo Independent School District in addition to state constitutional amendments – drew 21,148 early voters, about 10% less than this year’s early voting turnout. The November 2021 election – which included no major local issues – drew 10,664 early voters, or 55% fewer than this year.
Voters can still cast their ballots on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 4, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at any voting site.
The Texas constitutional amendments, or propositions, including property tax cuts for homeowners and businesses, will be on the ballots of all El Paso County voters.
ELECTION: 17 statewide propositions are on the Nov. 4 ballot. Here’s what Texas voters need to know.
Those who live in the Socorro and Tornillo independent school districts will also see tax ratification propositions, which ask whether the districts can increase the property tax rate above what’s allowed by law. The increases would be mostly offset by the state homestead proposition if it’s approved statewide Tuesday.
Voters in the Town of Clint, City of Socorro and Village of Vinton have several races for seats on their local councils.
Here’s what to know before you hit the polls Tuesday:
What time are the polls open? On Election Day, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Can I vote anywhere on Election Day? Yes, you can vote at any polling site on Election Day. View these Election Day voting locations for the site closest to you at any given time.
What ID do I need to vote? If you’re a registered voter, you’ll need to provide one of seven acceptable forms of ID, which include a valid Texas DPS driver’s license or identification card, or a military ID. If you do not have any of the seven, you must complete a Reasonable Impediment Declaration at the voting site and present a supporting document.
Can I view a sample ballot? Yes, if you’re a registered voter, check out your sample ballot at the My Voter Dashboard at the El Paso County Elections website. It’s as easy as typing in your name and date of birth or your voter ID number.
VOTER GUDE: SISD, Tornillo ISD tax rates, state propositions on Nov. 4, 2025, election ballot
Can I take my sample ballot on my cellphone to the polling booth? No, you cannot use your cellphone within 100 feet of the voting station. Other recording devices such as cameras and tablets are also prohibited. You can, however, print out a copy of the ballot or take other written notes with you to the booth.
Are there any other prohibited items at the polling sites? Texas law prohibits handguns and other firearms at polling places, and you’re also not allowed to wear clothing that publicizes candidates, political parties or measures on the ballot.
Can I cast a vote in the SISD tax rate proposition if I don’t live in the district? No, you have to be a registered voter within the school district’s boundaries to vote for or against that proposition – even if you work for the district or have children who attend those schools.
LEARN MORE: Socorro ISD board calls for ‘VATRE’ tax rate election. Here’s what it means to you
What’s NOT on the ballot? If you’re wondering why you’re hearing from candidates in races not in this election, it’s likely because they’re competing in next year’s midterms. The Democratic and Republican midterm primaries are March 3, with the winners moving forward to the midterm general election Nov. 3, 2026. The midterms will include congressional and Senate races, as well as state races for Texas governor, attorney general and lieutenant governor. Local races include seats for state representatives, county judge, some county commissioners, county clerk, district clerk and a slew of judgeships and justices of the peace.
Texas Statewide Propositions on Nov. 4 Ballot
Here are the 17 statewide propositions on the ballot, summarized from the Texas Tribune:
- Proposition 1: Creates an endowment for the State Technical College Program for the purchase of buildings and classroom equipment for technical colleges across Texas
- Proposition 2: Capital gains tax ban prohibiting state from taxing businesses on profits from investments, real estate and certain personal property
- Proposition 3: Bail reform that would require judges to deny bail in certain cases for people accused of murder, aggravated assault, indecency with a child and other specific felonies
- Proposition 4: Water infrastructure funding through $1 billion of sales tax revenue toward the Texas Water Fund each year for 20 years starting in 2027
- Proposition 5: Tax exemption on animal feed, including when animal feed is held as inventory to be sold
- Proposition 6: Bans new taxes on securities transactions and financial market operators
- Proposition 7: Tax exemption for spouses of veterans who the federal government determined died in connection to their service
- Proposition 8: Texas doesn’t have an inheritance tax and this tax ban would prevent future regulations that could impose a tax on an estate or when an estate or inheritance is transferred
- Proposition 9: Inventory and equipment tax exemption from local entities such as cities and school districts would be increased from $2,500 to $125,000 of businesses’ inventory
- Proposition 10: Temporary tax exemption for homes destroyed by fire and is uninhabitable for at least 30 days
- Proposition 11: Increases the school tax exemption for the elderly or disabled homeowners from $10,000 to $60,000
- Proposition 12: Changing the State Judicial Conduct Commission,which investigates allegations of misconduct or disability by judges, allowing the governor to appoint seven instead of five citizens to the commission, among other changes
- Proposition 13: Increases school tax exemption for all homeowners from $100,000 to $140,000
- Proposition 14: Provides $3 billion in funding from the state’s surplus revenue for dementia research and prevention
- Proposition 15: Codifying parental rights already in federal law into the state constitution, affirming parents have the responsibility over their children’s care, custody and upbringing
- Proposition 16: Clarifying citizenship requirement for voters, which is already a requirement to vote in Texas.
- Proposition 17: Property tax exemption for border security infrastructure
The post Only 4% of El Paso County voters cast early ballots in the Nov. 4 election. Here’s what’s on the ballot and where to vote Tuesday. appeared first on El Paso Matters.
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