If you’re staring at your calendar and realized it's 2025, you might be thinking this is an "off" year. Most people assume that once the presidential posters come down, politics just goes into hibernation for a while. Honestly? That is a massive mistake.
While there isn't a race for the White House right now, the stuff happening in your own backyard this November is going to hit your wallet and your daily life way faster than anything in D.C. ever will. We’re talking about who runs your city, how much you pay in property taxes, and whether your state constitution gets a permanent facelift.
When you ask what's on my ballot november 2025, you aren't just looking at one list. It's a patchwork. Depending on whether you're in Richmond, Jersey City, or Dallas, the "vibe" of your ballot is going to feel totally different.
The Big State Battles: Virginia and New Jersey
Usually, Virginia and New Jersey are the only kids in the room during these odd-numbered years when it comes to governors.
In Virginia, things have been pretty wild. Because of the state’s weird rule where a governor can’t serve two terms back-to-back, Glenn Youngkin is out. Abigail Spanberger, a Democrat and former CIA officer, managed to flip the seat in a high-stakes race against Republican Winsome Earle-Sears. This was a huge deal because it gave Democrats a "trifecta"—meaning they now control the governorship and both houses of the legislature.
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New Jersey saw a similar shift. Mikie Sherrill, another Democrat, stepped into the shoes of Phil Murphy. She beat out Jack Ciattarelli, who had come super close to winning last time around.
If you live in these states, your ballot likely had a long list of state assembly candidates too. These are the people who decide on state-level things like reproductive rights, gun laws, and how much funding your local schools actually get.
Texas and the 17 Amendments
Texas does things a little differently. Instead of a governor's race, they basically handed voters a giant 17-point "to-do" list for their state constitution.
Basically, the Texas legislature wants to bake certain things into the constitution so future politicians can't easily change them. On your ballot in Texas, you'll see a lot of "Propositions." Some are pretty straightforward, like Proposition 13, which looks to hike the homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000. That’s a direct tax cut for homeowners.
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Then there’s the more controversial stuff. Proposition 15 is all about "parental rights," and Proposition 16 is a constitutional move to clarify that only U.S. citizens can vote—something that's already law but is being added to the constitution for extra weight.
The Local Level: Mayors and School Boards
Outside of the big state races, most of the action is in city hall.
A lot of major cities are choosing new leaders this year. In San Antonio, Gina Ortiz Jones took the win to replace Ron Nirenberg, who was term-limited. If you're in Houston, there’s a massive scramble for city council seats.
Don't ignore the school boards. This year, school board races have become some of the most heated contests on the ballot. People are arguing about books, curriculum, and how to handle safety. These aren't just "neighborhood" issues anymore; they've become part of a national conversation.
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Why This Ballot Actually Matters
It’s easy to feel "election fatigue" after a big year. But the 2025 election is a bellwether. It tells us which way the wind is blowing for the 2026 midterms.
For instance, the "Blue Wave" we saw in Virginia and New Jersey suggests that suburban voters are leaning a certain way. Meanwhile, the ballot measures in places like Maine—where they're voting on a $19 minimum wage—show that local economic policy is moving faster than federal changes.
Here is a quick look at some of the key things popping up on ballots across the country:
- Special Congressional Elections: Keep an eye on Texas's 18th district. Vacancies happen, and these "mini-elections" can change the balance of power in D.C. overnight.
- Bond Initiatives: Cities often ask for permission to borrow money for things like parks, roads, and "green" energy. If you vote yes, your taxes might go up to pay back that debt.
- Judicial Elections: In states like Pennsylvania, you're choosing the judges who will sit on the Supreme Court. These people stay in power for a long time and make the final call on state laws.
Actionable Steps for Election Day
Don't walk into the booth blind. It’s the worst feeling when you get to "Proposition 4" and have no idea what it means.
- Get your sample ballot early. Most counties have these online. Just search "[Your County] sample ballot 2025."
- Check the ID requirements. If you’re in Texas, you need a photo ID (like a driver's license or passport). Don't get turned away because you forgot your wallet.
- Look at the "Non-Partisan" guides. Groups like the League of Women Voters often put out guides that explain the pros and cons of ballot measures without taking a side.
- Find your polling place. Sometimes they change between elections, especially in off-years when fewer people are expected to show up.
Basically, your vote this November is your loudest voice on the stuff that happens within five miles of your front door. Whether it's a tax break in Dallas or a new mayor in San Antonio, the results will stick around long after the stickers are peeled off.
Go to your local Secretary of State's website right now and verify your registration status. If you aren't registered, many states have deadlines that hit weeks before the actual election day. Check the early voting calendar too—it's way easier to vote on a random Tuesday morning in October than to fight the crowds on November 4th.