Voters in Middleton and across Hardeman County will decide three Tennessee constitutional amendments on the Nov. 3 general election ballot, covering bail for violent crimes, a ban on a statewide property tax, and an expanded list of rights for crime victims. With early voting opening Wednesday, Oct. 14, here is a plain-language look at what each question would do.
The amendments appear on the ballot directly after the candidates for governor. Each one is a simple yes-or-no question. A “yes” vote changes the state constitution to adopt the new language, and a “no” vote keeps the current wording.
How Tennessee Constitutional Amendments Pass
Tennessee sets a higher bar than a simple majority. For an amendment to pass, two things have to happen:
It must receive more “yes” votes than “no” votes; and
The number of “yes” votes must be more than half of all votes cast in the governor’s race.
That means a voter who casts a ballot for governor but skips an amendment question effectively makes it harder for that amendment to pass. Voters should read each question before heading to the polls.
Amendment 1: Bail in Serious Violent Cases
The first amendment would rewrite Article I, Section 15. Today, the constitution says all prisoners are entitled to bail except in capital cases where the proof is evident or the presumption great. The change would let judges deny bail before trial, under that same standard, for defendants accused of:
A capital offense or an act of terrorism
Second-degree murder
Aggravated rape or aggravated rape of a child
Grave torture
Any other offense that, as of Nov. 3, 2026, would require a convicted person to serve at least 85% of the sentence
Judges and magistrates would also have to state on the record their reasons for granting or denying bail in those cases. The protection of the writ of habeas corpus stays in place.
Amendment 2: No State Property Tax
The second amendment would add language to Article II, Section 28 barring the Legislature from levying, authorizing, or permitting any state tax on real, personal, or mixed property. The Attorney General’s summary describes it as a prohibition on a State property tax; it does not address property taxes collected by local governments such as Hardeman County.
Amendment 3: Rights for Crime Victims
The third amendment would replace Article I, Section 35 with a longer list of victims’ rights. New rights include fair treatment, taking part in the parole process, protection from harassment and intimidation, being told the minimum sentence an offender will serve and the scheduled release date, and having the safety of the victim, the victim’s family, and the public considered before a release decision.
It also keeps or clarifies existing rights, such as being notified of proceedings, being present in court, being told of a release or escape, speaking with prosecutors, restitution, and a speedy resolution of the case. The summary states that the amendment does not limit the powers of prosecutors or courts and does not create a claim for damages against the state.
Where and When to Vote in Hardeman County
Early voting runs Oct. 14 through Oct. 29 at the Hardeman County Election Commission, 227 Lucy Black Road, Bolivar. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. The full text of each resolution and a sample ballot are available through the election commission and the Tennessee Secretary of State. Voters with questions can call the election commission at (731) 658-4751.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
