By Thomas Warren III, Editor-in-Chief

Voters in Amarillo and across our state might be tempted to stay home in this year’s election. After all, this is just a constitutional amendments election, right? It’s not like we’re actually electing anyone, right?

Well, friends, I would argue the upcoming election on November 2 is perhaps one of the most consequential that voters might face between now and 2023. Let me explain.

This year, voters in Texas are deciding eight proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution, as well as an item to ratify a proposed 24 percent tax increase in Amarillo. Two items stick out on this ballot to me: Texas Proposition 2, which would allow counties to issue new debt, as well as Proposition A, which is the local tax increase item. Additionally, other key items are on the ballot, including a proposed constitutional amendment that would prevent local governments and the state government from closing religious facilities and churches after churches were closed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Voters should take an interest in every item on the ballot, especially as it relates to Proposition 2 and Proposition A. Both of these items would mean higher taxes for hardworking taxpayers. Potter County officials have shown what is almost an insatiable thirst for debt and higher taxes, which concerns me about what Proposition 2’s passage could mean for local taxpayers. Additionally, Proposition A would mean just a straight tax increase without any question. Taxes would be going up under Proposition A’s passage, debt or no debt.

Proposition 2 and Proposition A are incredibly consequential for local taxpayers. Yes, this year’s ballot might not have the names Trump, Biden, Abbott, or O’Rourke on it, but it does have one proposed tax increase and a permission slip for counties to pass additional tax increases.

If you can feel the pain of higher taxes in your wallet, then this election might just be more important than whatever names might be on your ballot between now and 2023.

Early voting runs until October 29. Make sure you get out and vote in this year’s election and while you’re there, vote against higher taxes and more debt by voting against Proposition 2 and Proposition A.