The last presidential election drew more than 66% of all registered voters in Texas, but just a year later, only 8.75% of voters cast a ballot when several amendments to the Texas constitution were up for consideration. That low turnout is a mystery to me because constitutional amendments often have a significant effect on our day-to-day lives. A perfect example is the election on Nov. 7, when 14 constitutional amendments will be on the ballot.

Texas REALTORS® is supporting five of the 14 amendments (the association is neutral on the others). Briefly, these are the five amendments we strongly encourage Texans to vote for:

· Proposition 1 protects the rights of Texans to engage in agricultural activities on their property.

· Proposition 4 provides the biggest property-tax relief package in Texas history.

· Propositions 6, 7 and 8 make much-needed investments in Texas water, energy and broadband.

You might have heard about the huge property-tax relief bill that passed in a special session of the 88th Texas Legislature. But many people mistakenly think that lower property taxes became a done deal when the governor signed the bill. Not so. Unless we pass Proposition 4, we won’t get those lower tax bills.

Property taxes are a huge burden for Texans, so the measure should pass easily — but I don’t consider it a slam dunk. Why? Start with the low turnout I mentioned, throw in some long and confusing ballot language, and anything could happen. The amendment is 130 words, and nowhere does it say, “Vote here to lower your property taxes.” Instead, it uses technical terms like “adjust the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes.”

This is where REALTORS® can make a big difference. Sure, we already did outstanding work at the REALTOR® Day at the Texas Capitol and throughout the session to get these measures onto the ballot in the first place. And I know I can count on REALTORS® to show up at the polls, as the data consistently shows REALTORS® participate in elections at a much higher rate than the general public. So what else can you do? Spread the word!

Tell everyone you know — your colleagues, friends, family, clients, former clients, prospects, even strangers you strike up casual conversations with — about the importance of voting for these amendments. I mean, who doesn’t want to save thousands of dollars in property taxes? The bill author has estimated that voting for Proposition 4 will save the average Texas homeowner under age 65 about $1,300 per year. Those over 65 may see an average of about $1,450 in savings.

While you’re at it, you might also tout the role REALTORS® play in working on issues like these. How many people know that we do so much more than help them buy and sell houses? This is the perfect opportunity to explain that REALTORS® work tirelessly at the local, state and national levels to help pass good legislation and rules — like property tax relief — and fight against bad ones — like real estate transfer taxes. Our involvement makes real estate transactions easier and safer and protects Texans’ ability to enjoy their property.

If you’d like a resource to share with your contacts about these amendments, visit TexasRealtorsSupport.com for short descriptions of all the amendments on the ballot, which ones Texas REALTORS® encourages people to vote for, and a printer-friendly version of the information you can take with you to your voting location. Early voting runs from Oct. 23 to Nov. 3, with Election Day on Nov. 7. Make sure you cast a ballot and tell everyone you know to vote for Propositions 1, 4, 6, 7 and 8. We don’t want to wake up on Nov. 8 and realize that we let a great opportunity pass us by.

Marcus Phipps is chairman of Texas REALTORS®.