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October 7, 2025, 6:00 PM

This November 4th, Texans will face a complex ballot, with community races and 17 constitutional amendments. I wish this ballot was easy and straightforward, but these 17 amendments can be confusing. It may feel tempting to sit this one out. Voter turnout is often low and elections like this one can be decided by a small margin. That means our votes are more valuable and they matter more now than ever. I’m afraid that if we don’t vote now, we could lose our ability to do so in the future!

I want my voice to be heard – don’t you? I was raised to take responsibility and I always vote. I believe that ethics and morals are important and that our government needs our input. Our vote shapes our communities! Voting is a privilege. What’s more, I can’t complain about the way things are unless I vote! Please make a plan to vote - these are the dates for this election: 

  • October 10: First day of early voting (hours vary by county)
  • October 31: Last day of early voting
  • November 4: Election Day (polls open 7 AM to 7 PM)
I’m not a person who cares too much about political parties. I do my own research, and I’ve voted for both parties in the past. Issues shift over time, and candidates and parties evolve to adapt to them. As United Women in Faith, there are serious issues in our society that we all care about, like the sad state of maternal health in our state, gun violence, healthcare, voter suppression, and more. It’s our job to stay informed and vote for the people and policies that align with our values. If we want to make a difference, we have to engage — and that starts at the ballot box. 

If you’re looking for resources to learn more about what will be on the ballot this fall, the League of Women Voters of Texas is a good place to start. This nonpartisan organization provides a guide that breaks down each proposition in plain language, with pros and cons, so voters can make informed decisions. Just go to their website, https://www.lwvtexas.org, and scroll down to find the 2025 Constitutional Amendment Election Voters Guide. It’s 12 pages full of clear information about the 17 amendments with pros and cons on each. There are also short videos to watch online that explain them.

Our nonpartisan friends at Texas Impact are presenting an informative session “Understanding the 17 Amendments” this Sunday with Arapaho UMC in Richardson. (click the orange link for more info & to register) The event is free and also available to watch virtually, so it is open to everyone in the Horizon Texas Conference! They will provide an overview of the 17 proposed amendments, and discuss and answer questions about them.

Consider getting together with some friends or neighbors to share your research and discuss the amendments. When engaged and informed we’re all more likely to vote! 

Encourage Others

A couple of years ago, I got to know a young Black man named Brad who worked at my Kroger pharmacy. Brad was kind, helpful, and remembered me by name, which impressed me. One day, I mentioned the upcoming primary and asked if he had registered to vote. He hadn't. I said I knew that there have been a lot of problems with racism and voting in the past… and that we still have a lot of work to do on that. I encouraged him to register and vote. Then when I saw him again he told me that he took eight of his fraternity brothers to register! Wow! I followed up, of course, and he said they all went to vote together too. I was so happy to hear that these nine young men - who might not have voted otherwise - were able to have their voices heard! That really encouraged me to continue encouraging others to register and vote. I hope you will encourage others too! 

Let’s all vote to use our voices, and encourage others to use theirs, like our future depends on it – because it does!

Judy Graham, Spiritual Growth Coordinator, Metro West District
Judy's home church is Genesis UMC in Fort Worth.