Texas Proposition 12, Change Membership and Authority of State Commission on Judicial Conduct Amendment (2025)

Texas Proposition 12
Election date November 4, 2025
Topic State judiciary oversight
Status On the ballot
Type Legislatively referred constitutional amendment	Origin State legislature

Texas Proposition 12, the Change Membership and Authority of State Commission on Judicial Conduct Amendment, is on the ballot in Texas as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment on November 4, 2025.

A "yes" vote supports amending the state constitution to make changes to judicial oversight policies in the state, including changing:  the composition of the 13-member state Commission on Judicial Conduct; the composition of the tribunal that reviews the commission's recommendations; and  the authority and process for sanctioning and removing judges.

A "no" vote opposes amending the state constitution to make changes to judicial oversight policies in the state.

Overview

How would Proposition 12 change the State Commission on Judicial Conduct?

See also: Measure design

Proposition 12 would amend the Texas Constitution to change the composition of the Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct (SCJC), requiring only two of six judicial members to be trial court judges and prohibiting judges from serving alongside others from the same type of court, except for trial judges. The remaining seven members of the 13-member commission would be citizens, appointed by the Texas Governor with the advice and consent of the state Senate, who are at least 35 years old.

The amendment would also authorize the SCJC to issue private reprimands or training requirements for judges with no prior sanctions and who are not involved in criminal conduct. It would update the disciplinary process, mandating public sanctions or referrals for removal/suspension if misconduct is found to be willful or persistent. Proposition 12 would also restructure the review tribunal and authorize it to suspend judges without pay and, in certain cases, ban them from future judicial office.

Who supports and opposes Proposition 12?

See also: Support and Opposition

Austin Police Association, Dallas Police Association, Houston Police Officers’ Union, Texans for Judicial Accountability, Texans for Lawsuit Reform, Texas Municipal Police Association, and Texas Policy Research endorsed Proposition 12. State Sen. Joan Huffman (R-17), one of the authors of the amendment, said, "The State Commission on Judicial Conduct is the commission created to protect the public, promote public confidence in the integrity, independence, competence, and impartiality of the judiciary and encourages judges to maintain high standards of conduct. These constitutional changes would ensure that the commission maintains appropriate oversight while also increasing transparency."

Ballotpedia has not located a campaign in opposition to the ballot measure. You can share campaign information or arguments, along with source links for this information, with us at editor@ballotpedia.org.

Have Texans decided on similar constitutional amendments before?

See also: Ballot measures related to the State Commission on Judicial Conduct

The State Commission on Judicial Conduct was established in the state constitution with the approval of Proposition 8 in 1965. Since then, Texas voters have approved six amendments to the section, making changes to the commission composition and authority. All amendments were approved with at least 59% of the vote. To see a complete list, click here.

Measure design

See also: Text of measure

Expand All

Composition of the Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct

Proposition 12 would amend the Texas Constitution to change the composition of the Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct (SCJC) by removing the requirement that the six members appointed by the Texas Supreme Court, with the advice and consent of the state Senate, be judges from specific courts. The amendment would require two of the six to be trial court judges. The amendment would also prohibit a commissioner who is a judge or justice may not serve on the same type of court as another commissioner who is a judge or justice, with the exception of the trial court judges. The remaining seven members of the 13-member commission would be citizens, appointed by the Texas Governor with the advice and consent of the state Senate, who are at least 35 years old.

Currently, the SCJC is composed of:

• six judges from the appellate, district, county court at law, constitutional county, justice of the peace, and municipal court levels,
• two attorneys appointed by the state bar who are not judges, and
• five citizen members appointed by the governor who are not attorneys or judges.

The SCJC has authority over the following Texas judges:

• municipal judges,
• magistrates,
• justices of the peace,
• constitutional county judges,
• county court at law judges,
• statutory probate judges,
• district judges,
• appellate judges,
• retired and former judges sitting by assignment, and
• associate judges and masters.

Private sanctions of judges by the commission

The amendment would make changes to the authority of the SCJC concerning private reprimands. The amendment authorizes the commission, after an investigation, to issue a private reprimand, warning, censure, or requirement to obtain educational training to a Texas judge who has never been sanctioned by the commission and has not committed a criminal offense.

Mandatory orders and actions by the commission

The amendment would make changes to the provisions of the state constitution that govern mandatory orders and actions following the finding of good cause and a formal hearing, or considering the record and report of a master by the commission. The amendment would require that the commission find the judge engaged in "wilful or persistent conduct that is clearly inconsistent with the proper performance of a judge’s duties."

The amendment would require the SCJC to issue a public reprimand, censure, or requirement for additional education training unless the commission is issuing a private reprimand, censure, etc. The amendment would alternatively also authorize the commission to recommend to a review tribunal the removal or retirement of a judge or justice.

The amendment would also authorize the commission to recommend to the state Supreme Court that the person be suspended from office with or without pay pending the final decision on the charge against them.

Review tribunal

The review tribunal would be composed of seven justices of the Courts of Appeals chosen by the chief justice of the state Supreme Court. Currently, members of the review tribunal are chosen by lot by the chief justice, and each court of appeals designates one of its members for inclusion in the list for selection. The amendment would authorize the review tribunal to include suspension without pay for a specified period as a method of sanction within 90 days after the date the record of the prior proceedings was filed with the review tribunal. Currently, the list of sanctions includes public censure, retirement, or removal. In case of involuntary retirement for disability or removal, the amendment would require the review tribunal to prohibit the person from holding judicial office in the future. Currently, the prohibition is not required by the constitution and is up to the discretion of the review tribunal.

Temporary provisions

The amendment includes temporary provisions that take effect on January 1, 2026, if the amendment is approved, and would expire on January 1, 2031. The provisions include:

• setting the term expiration date for members serving before January 1, 2026, as July 1, 2026;
• authorizing the appointment of six commissioners by the state Supreme Court with the advice and consent of the state Senate and seven commissioners by the governor to serve staggered terms beginning January 1, 2026;
• requiring complaints submitted before January 1, 2026, to be reviewed by the commission appointed before January 1, 2026, unless the complaint has not been resolved by July 1, 2026, then the commission appointed after that date would review the complaint; and
• requiring complaints submitted after January 1, 2026, to be reviewed by the commission appointed after January 1, 2026.

Text of measure

Ballot title

The ballot title is as follows:

“

The constitutional amendment regarding the membership of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, the membership of the tribunal to review the commission’s recommendations, and the authority of the commission, the tribunal, and the Texas Supreme Court to more effectively sanction judges and justices for judicial misconduct.

”

Constitutional changes

See also: Article 5, Texas Constitution

The measure would amend section 1-a of Article 5 of the state constitution. The following underlined text would be added, and struck-through text would be deleted: Note: Hover over the text and scroll to see the full text.

Section 1-a

(2) The State Commission on Judicial Conduct consists of the following 13 thirteen (13) members , to wit:

(i) six judges or justices of courts in this state appointed by the Supreme Court with the advice and consent of the Senate, two of whom must be trial court judges one (1) Justice of a Court of Appeals; and

(ii) seven one (1) District Judge; (iii) two (2) members of the State Bar, who have respectively practiced as such for over ten (10) consecutive years next preceding their selection; (iv) five (5) citizens appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate, who are, at least 35 thirty (30) years of age.

(2-a) A, not licensed to practice law nor holding any salaried public office or employment; (v) one (1) Justice of the Peace; (vi) one (1) Judge of a Municipal Court; (vii) one (1) Judge of a County Court at Law; and (viii) one (1) Judge of a Constitutional County Court; provided that no person may not shall be appointed to or remain a member of the Commission if the person , who does not maintain physical residence within this State, or has who shall have ceased to retain the qualifications above specified in Subsection (2) of this Section for that person’s appointment.

(2-b) A person appointed under Subsection (2) of this Section who is a judge or justice respective class of membership, and provided that a Commissioner of class (i), (ii), (iii), (vii), or (viii) may not be a judge or justice reside or hold a judgeship in the same type of court of appeals district as another member of the Commission who is a judge or justice. Commissioners of classes (i), (ii), (vii), and (viii) above shall be chosen by the Supreme Court with advice and consent of the Senate, those of class (iii) by the Board of Directors of the State Bar under regulations to be prescribed by the Supreme Court with advice and consent of the Senate, those of class (iv) by appointment of the Governor with advice and consent of the Senate, and the commissioners of classes (v) and (vi) by appointment of the Supreme Court as provided by law, with the advice and consent of the Senate.

(3) The regular term of office of Commissioners shall be six (6) years; but the initial members of each of classes (i), (ii) and (iii) shall respectively be chosen for terms of four (4) and six (6) years, and the initial members of class (iiii) for respective terms of two (2), four (4) and six (6) years. Interim vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as vacancies due to expiration of a full term, but only for the unexpired portion of the term in question. Commissioners may succeed themselves in office only if the commissioner has having served less than three (3) consecutive years.

(8) After such investigation as it deems necessary, the Commission may, in its discretion:

:(i) for a person holding an office or position specified in Subsection (6) of this Section who has never been issued an order under this subparagraph and in response to a complaint or report other than a complaint or report alleging the person engaged in conduct constituting a criminal offense, issue an order of private admonition, warning, reprimand, censure, or requirement that the person obtain additional training or education;

(ii) issue a private or public admonition, warning, reprimand, or requirement that the person obtain additional training or education;, or

(iii) if the Commission determines that the situation merits such action, it may institute formal proceedings and order a formal hearing to be held before it concerning a person holding an office or position specified in Subsection (6) of this Section, or it may in its discretion request the Supreme Court to appoint an active or retired District Judge or Justice of a Court of Appeals, or retired Judge or Justice of the Court of Criminal Appeals or the Supreme Court, as a Master to hear and take evidence in the matter, and to report thereon to the Commission and to the Supreme Court.

(8-a) A The Master appointed under Subsection (8)(iii) of this Section shall have all the power of a District Judge in the enforcement of orders pertaining to witnesses, evidence, and procedure. If, after formal hearing under Subsection (8)(iii) of this Section, or after considering the record and report of a Master appointed under Subsection (8)(iii) of this Section, the Commission finds the person engaged in wilful or persistent conduct that is clearly inconsistent with the proper performance of a judge’s duties or other good cause therefor, the Commission:

(i) i† shall issue for the person an order of public admonition, warning, reprimand, censure, or requirement that the person holding an office or position specified in Subsection (6) of this Section obtain additional training or education;, or

(ii) may it shall recommend to a review tribunal the removal or retirement, as the case may be, of the person and shall thereupon file with the tribunal the entire record before the Commission.

(9) A tribunal to review the Commission's recommendation for the removal or retirement of a person holding an office or position specified in Subsection (6) of this Section is composed of seven 7 Justices or Judges of the Courts of Appeals who are selected by lot by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Each Court of Appeals shall designate one of its members for inclusion in the list from which the selection is made. Service on the tribunal shall be considered part of the official duties of a justice judge, and no additional compensation may be paid for such service. The review tribunal shall review the record of the proceedings on the law and facts and in its discretion may, for good cause shown, permit the introduction of additional evidence. Within 90 days after the date on which the record is filed with the review tribunal, it shall order public censure, suspension without pay for a specified period, retirement or removal, as it finds just and proper, or wholly reject the recommendation. A Justice, Judge, Master, or Magistrate may appeal a decision of the review tribunal to the Supreme Court under the substantial evidence rule. Upon an order for involuntary retirement for disability or an order for removal, the office in question shall become vacant. The review tribunal, in an order for involuntary retirement for disability or an order for removal, shall may prohibit such person from holding judicial office in the future. The rights of a person an incumbent so retired to retirement benefits shall be the same as if the person's his retirement had been voluntary.

Section 1-a(6)(A)

(6) A. Any Justice or Judge of the courts established by this Constitution or created by the Legislature as provided in Section 1, Article V, of this Constitution, may, subject to the other provisions hereof, be removed from office for willful or persistent violation of rules promulgated by the Supreme Court of Texas, incompetence in performing the duties of the office, willful violation of the Code of Judicial Conduct, or willful or persistent conduct that is clearly inconsistent with the proper performance of the person’s his duties or casts public discredit upon the judiciary or administration of justice. Any person holding such office may be disciplined or censured, in lieu of removal from office, as provided by this section. Any person holding an office specified in this subsection may be suspended from office with or without pay by the Commission immediately on being indicted by a State or Federal grand jury for a felony offense or charged with a misdemeanor involving official misconduct. On the filing of a sworn complaint charging a person holding such office with willful or persistent violation of rules promulgated by the Supreme Court of Texas, incompetence in performing the duties of the office, willful violation of the Code of Judicial Conduct, or willful and persistent conduct that is clearly inconsistent with the proper performance of the person’s his duties or casts public discredit on the judiciary or on the administration of justice, the Commission, after giving the person notice and an opportunity to appear and be heard before the Commission, may recommend to the Supreme Court the suspension of such person from office with or without pay, pending final disposition of the charge. The Supreme Court, after considering the record of such appearance and the recommendation of the Commission, may suspend the person from office with or without pay, pending final disposition of the charge.

TEMPORARY PROVISION. (a) This temporary provision applies to the constitutional amendment proposed by the 89th Legislature, Regular Session, 2025, regarding the membership of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, the membership of the tribunal to review the commission’s recommendations, and the authority of the commission, the tribunal, and the Texas Supreme Court to more effectively sanction judges and justices for judicial misconduct. The constitutional amendment takes effect January 1, 2026.

(b) Notwithstanding any other law, the terms of the commissioners of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct serving before January 1, 2026, expire July 1, 2026.

(c) Notwithstanding any other law, the Texas Supreme Court, with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall appoint additional commissioners to the State Commission on Judicial Conduct to serve staggered terms beginning January 1, 2026, as follows:

(1) two commissioners to serve six-year terms;

(2) two commissioners to serve four-year terms; and

(3) two commissioners to serve two-year terms.

(d) Notwithstanding any other law, the governor shall appoint additional commissioners to the State Commission on Judicial Conduct to serve staggered terms beginning January 1, 2026, as follows:

(1) three commissioners to serve six-year terms;

(2) two commissioners to serve four-year terms; and

(3) two commissioners to serve two-year terms.

(e) Notwithstanding any other law and except as otherwise provided by this subsection, a complaint submitted to the State Commission on Judicial Conduct before January 1, 2026, shall be reviewed by the commissioners of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct appointed before January 1, 2026, unless the complaint has not been resolved by July 1, 2026, in which event the complaint shall be reviewed by the commissioners appointed on or after that date.

(f) Notwithstanding any other law, a complaint submitted to the State Commission on Judicial Conduct on or after January 1, 2026, shall be reviewed by the commissioners of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct appointed on or after that date.

(g) This temporary provision expires January 1, 2031.

Full text

The full text is available here.

Support

Supporters

Officials

• State Sen. Joan Huffman (R)
• State Sen. Judith Zaffirini (D)

Unions

• Austin Police Association
• Dallas Police Association
• Houston Police Officers’ Union

Organizations

• Texans Unite for Judicial Accountability
• Texans for Judicial Accountability
• Texans for Lawsuit Reform
• Texas Civil Justice League
• Texas Municipal Police Association
• Texas Policy Research

Arguments

• State Sen. Joan Huffman (R-17): "The State Commission on Judicial Conduct is the commission created to protect the public, promote public confidence in the integrity, independence, competence, and impartiality of the judiciary and encourages judges to maintain high standards of conduct. These constitutional changes would ensure that the commission maintains appropriate oversight while also increasing transparency."
• Robert Garza, a director with Texans for Judicial Accountability: "The fact that the SCJC sanctions judges in less than 1 percent of all complaints is deeply troubling as it undermines public confidence in judicial accountability and raises serious concerns about transparency and oversight. Such an exceedingly low sanction rate suggests either systemic failure to take complaints seriously or inherent bias in favor of shielding judges from scrutiny, both which compromise the integrity of the judiciary."
• Texas Policy Research: "Proposition 12 promotes transparency, public accountability, and personal responsibility within the judiciary by broadening citizen oversight and strengthening enforcement of judicial ethics."

Opposition

Ballotpedia has not located a campaign in opposition to the ballot measure. You can share campaign information or arguments, along with source links for this information, with us at editor@ballotpedia.org.

Arguments

You can share campaign information or arguments, along with source links for this information, at editor@ballotpedia.org.

Campaign finance

See also: Campaign finance requirements for Texas ballot measures

Ballotpedia has not identified any committees registered to support or oppose the measure. If you are aware of a committee registered to support or oppose this amendment, please email editor@ballotpedia.org.

	Cash Contributions	In-Kind Contributions	Total Contributions	Cash Expenditures	Total Expenditures
Support	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00
Oppose	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00
Total	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00

Background

Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct

See also: Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct

The Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct (SCJC) was created with the approval of Proposition 8 in 1965. Proposition 8 established the commission in the state constitution and provided for mandatory retirement ages for judges and justices. It was approved with 72.6% of the vote.

The SCJC is governed by Article V, Section 1-a of the Texas Constitution, Chapter 33 of the Texas Government Code, the Texas Procedural Rules for the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, and the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct. The constitution defines judicial misconduct as the “willful or persistent violation of rules promulgated by the Supreme Court of Texas, incompetence in performing the duties of the office, willful violation of the Code of Judicial Conduct, or willful or persistent conduct that is clearly inconsistent with the proper performance of [the judge’s] duties or casts public discredit upon the judiciary or administration of justice.” The commission considers all alleged misconduct complaints made by individuals, reported by a news article, or obtained through an investigation.

The SCJC is composed of:

• six judges from the appellate, district, county court at law, constitutional county, justice of the peace, and municipal court levels,
• two attorneys appointed by the state bar who are not judges, and
• five citizen members appointed by the governor who are not attorneys or judges.

The state commission has authority over the following Texas judges:

• municipal judges,
• magistrates,
• justices of the peace,
• constitutional county judges,
• county court at law judges,
• statutory probate judges,
• district judges,
• appellate judges,
• retired and former judges sitting by assignment, and
• associate judges and masters.

During fiscal year 2024, the SCJC received 1,135 complaints. At the time of the annual report, 49 had resulted in disciplinary action, and 258 cases were still pending.

Ballot measures related to the State Commission on Judicial Conduct

The State Commission on Judicial Conduct was established in the state constitution with the approval of Proposition 8 in 1965. Since then, Texas voters have approved six amendments to the section, making changes to the commission composition and authority. All amendments were approved with at least 59% of the vote.

Year	Type	Title	Description	Result	Yes Votes	No Votes
2021	LRCA	Proposition 5	Authorizes the Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct to accept and investigate complaints and reports against candidates running for state judicial office	a	852,336 (59%)	586,686 (41%)
2013	LRCA	Proposition 9	Expand the sanctions the State Commission on Judicial Conduct may impose on judges or justices after formal proceedings	a	925,509 (85%)	167,825 (15%)
2005	LRCA	Proposition 6	Expand the State Commission on Judicial Conduct from 11 to 13 members, adding one public member and one constitutional county court judge.	a	1,246,127 (63%)	744,585 (37%)
1984	LRCA	Proposition 7	Expand grounds for disciplining judicial officials, broaden the jurisdiction of the state commission on judicial conduct, and alter its composition	a	2,858,130 (77%)	854,655 (23%)
1977	LRCA	Proposition 7	Rename the State Judicial Qualifications Commission to the State Commission on Judicial Conduct and specify its investigative and disciplinary powers over judiciary members	a	354,275 (66%)	180,837 (34%)
1970	LRCA	Proposition 1	Authorize the State Judicial Qualifications Commission to censure or remove Justices, Judges, and Justices of the Peace under certain circumstances	a	1,214,537 (72%)	482,491 (28%)
1965	LRCA	Proposition 8	Impose a mandatory retirement age on district and appellate judges and create the State Judicial Qualifications Commission	a	352,879 (73%)	133,238 (27%)

Path to the ballot

Amending the Texas Constitution

See also: Amending the Texas Constitution

A two-thirds (66.67%) vote is required during one legislative session for the Texas State Legislature to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot. That amounts to a minimum of 100 votes in the Texas House of Representatives and 21 votes in the Texas State Senate, assuming no vacancies. Amendments do not require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot.

Senate Joint Resolution 27 (2025)

The following is the timeline of the constitutional amendment in the state legislature:

• December 2, 2024: Senate Joint Resolution 27 (SJR 27) was prefiled.
• April 14, 2025: The Senate passed SJR 27 by a vote of 27-4.
• May 26, 2025: The House passed an amended version of SJR 27 by a vote of 119-17, with 14 not voting or absent.
• May 30, 2025: The Senate concurred with the House amendments. The vote total will be published below when it becomes available.

Partisan Direction Index = +35.0% (Lean Republican)

Democratic Support

65.0%

Republican Support

100.0%

How does this vote compare to other legislative ballot measures in 2025?
Learn more about the ballot measures PDI →

 Texas House of Representatives

Voted on May 26, 2025

Votes Required to Pass: 100
	Yes	No	NV
Total	119	17	14
Total %	79.3%	11.3%	9.4%
Democratic (D)	32	17	13
Republican (R)	87	0	1

 Texas State Senate

Voted on May 31, 2025

Votes Required to Pass: 21
	Yes	No	NV
Total	27	4	0
Total %	87.1%	12.9%	0.0%
Democratic (D)	7	4	0
Republican (R)	20	0	0

How to cast a vote

See also: Voting in Texas

See below to learn more about current voter registration rules, identification requirements, and poll times in Texas.

How to vote in Texas

Poll times

In Texas, all polling places are open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time. Texas is divided between the Central and Mountain time zones. An individual who is in line at the time polls close must be allowed to vote.

Registration

Check your voter registration status here.

To register to vote in Texas, an applicant must be a United States citizen, a resident of the county in which he or she is registering, and at least 17 years and 10 months old.

The deadline to register to vote is 30 days before the election. Prospective voters can request a postage-paid voter registration form online or complete the form online and return it to the county voter registrar. Applications are also available at a variety of locations including the county voter registrar’s office, the secretary of state’s office, libraries, and high schools. Voter registration certificates are mailed to newly registered voters.

Automatic registration

Texas does not practice automatic voter registration.

Online registration

See also: Online voter registration

Texas does not permit online voter registration.

Same-day registration

Texas does not allow same-day voter registration.

Residency requirements

Prospective voters must reside in the county in which they are registering to vote.

Verification of citizenship

See also: Laws permitting noncitizens to vote in the United States

Texas does not require proof of citizenship for voter registration. An individual applying to register to vote must attest that they are a U.S. citizen under penalty of perjury.

State law requires election officials to conduct a check of registered voters' citizenship status. Section 18.068 of the Texas Election Code says the following:

“	The secretary of state shall quarterly compare the information received under Section 16.001 of this code and Section 62.113, Government Code, to the statewide computerized voter registration list. If the secretary determines that a voter on the registration list is deceased or has been excused or disqualified from jury service because the voter is not a citizen, the secretary shall send notice of the determination to the voter registrar of the counties considered appropriate by the secretary.	”
—Section 18.068, Texas Election Code

In January 2019, the Texas secretary of state’s office announced that it would be providing local election officials with a list of registered voters who obtained driver’s licenses or IDs with documentation such as work visas or green cards. Counties would then be able to require voters on the list to provide proof of citizenship within 30 days. The review was halted by a federal judge in February 2019, and Secretary of State David Whitley rescinded the advisory in April. A news release from Whitley’s office stated that “... going forward, the Texas Secretary of State's office will send to county voter registrars only the matching records of individuals who registered to vote before identifying themselves as non-U.S. citizens to DPS when applying for a driver's license or personal identification card. This will ensure that naturalized U.S. citizens who lawfully registered to vote are not impacted by this voter registration list maintenance process.”

All 49 states with voter registration systems require applicants to declare that they are U.S. citizens in order to register to vote in state and federal elections, under penalty of perjury or other punishment. Seven states — Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, New Hampshire, and Wyoming — have laws requiring verification of citizenship at the time of voter registration, whether in effect or not. In three states — California, Maryland, and Vermont — at least one local jurisdiction allows noncitizens to vote in some local elections. Noncitizens registering to vote in those elections must complete a voter registration application provided by the local jurisdiction and are not eligible to register as state or federal voters.

Verifying your registration

The Texas Secretary of State’s office allows residents to check their voter registration status online by visiting this website.

Voter ID requirements

Texas requires voters to present photo identification while voting.

The following list of accepted ID was current as of February 2023. Click here for the Texas Secretary of State's page on accepted ID to ensure you have the most current information.

• Texas driver’s license issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
• Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS
• Texas Personal Identification Card issued by DPS
• Texas handgun license issued by DPS
• United States Military Identification Card containing the person’s photograph
• United States Citizenship Certificate containing the person’s photograph
• United States passport (book or card)

Identification provided by voters aged 18-69 may be expired for no more than four years before the election date. Voters aged 70 and older can use an expired ID card regardless of how long ago the ID expired.

Voters who are unable to provide one of the ID options listed above can sign a Reasonable Impediment Declaration and provide one of the following supporting documents:

• Copy or original of a government document that shows the voter’s name and an address, including the voter’s voter registration certificate
• Copy of or original current utility bill
• Copy of or original bank statement
• Copy of or original government check
• Copy of or original paycheck
• Copy of or original of (a) a certified domestic (from a U.S. state or territory) birth certificate or (b) a document confirming birth admissible in a court of law which establishes the voter’s identity (which may include a foreign birth document)

The following voters are exempt from showing photo ID:

• Voters with a disability
  • Voters with a disability "may apply with the county voter registrar for a permanent exemption to presenting an acceptable photo identification or following the Reasonable Impediment Declaration procedure in the county."
• Voters who have a religious objection to being photographed

Voters who do not have a photo ID can obtain a Texas Election Identification Certificate (EIC) at any Texas driver’s license office during regular business hours. Voters can also obtain an Election Identification Certificate from a mobile station. Locations are listed here.

See also

2025 ballot measures

View other measures certified for the 2025 ballot across the U.S. and in Texas.

• 2025 ballot measures
• Texas 2025 ballot measures
• Texas elections, 2025

Texas ballot measures

Explore Texas's ballot measure history, including constitutional amendments.

• List of Texas ballot measures
• Texas Historical Ballot Measures Factbook
• State judiciary oversight ballot measures
• Texas State Legislature

Legislative process

Understand how measures are placed on the ballot and the rules that apply.

• Legislatively referred constitutional amendment
• Texas Constitution
• Amending state constitutions

External links

• Text of SJR 27

Footnotes

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