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Opinion

We recommend a 'yes' vote on statewide Propositions 4, 5, 6 and 7

Prop 4 would alert the AG if a state law is challenged. Prop 5 deals with charitable foundation raffles. Prop 6 would help the spouses of first responders killed in the line of duty. And Prop 7 allows banks to offer another saving incentive.

Don't be put off by the technical language in the amendments to the Texas Constitution that will go before voters Nov. 7.  Most are real-life measures concerning charitable raffles and taxes and banking — issues that can have a big impact on Texans' lives.

Most are about doing right by vulnerable Texans or putting residents on more stable financial ground. We urge voters not to skip the statewide ballot props, among the more controversial items on the ballot Nov. 7 that will grab most of the attention.

We recommend voters say "yes" to these four:

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State Proposition 4 would require court notice to the attorney general when there is a challenge to the constitutionality of a state law.

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You'd think that if someone challenged a state law, the attorney general's office would know quickly. Not so. In 2013, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals struck down a state law requiring courts to notify the attorney general of challenges. Proposition 4 rightly restores the opportunity for the AG's office to defend constitutional challenges in a timely manner.

State Proposition 5 would expand the number of professional sports teams' charitable foundations that are allowed to have raffles.

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Right now, the only sports foundations allowed to have charitable raffles are those associated with the major league teams in Texas before January 2016, including those in the National Basketball Association, the National Football League, Major League Baseball, the National Hockey League and Major League Soccer.

They've been successful in raising thousands for charity with no reported problems. We see no reason why other professional teams shouldn't have the same opportunities, with the same safeguards in place, to contribute to their communities.

Teams such as those in the Women's National Basketball Association, the National Basketball Association Developmental League, the American Hockey League and the National Women's Soccer League would be added to the list.

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Our state's gambling rules — at least in the name of a good cause — already contain exceptions for the lottery and bingo nights, etc. This should have little impact on the vast majority of Texans, but it  could bring needed help to more charities, including those in rural and suburban areas.

State Proposition 6 would authorize the Legislature to give a partial or total property tax exemption to the surviving spouse of a first responder killed in the line of duty.

After the July 7, 2016, ambush of first responders in Dallas and the killing of a police detective in San Antonio several months later, state lawmakers became concerned about the sudden financial burden on surviving spouses of police and firefighters who were killed while protecting and serving.

This measure had overwhelming support in Austin across party lines, and would be in line with how the state taxes the surviving spouses of U.S. military members killed in action.

These families have already endured immeasurable suffering. Voters should OK this proposition to keep them from facing financial hardship that could force them from their homes and cause them to suffer even more.

Proposition 7 would authorize banks and credit unions to hold raffles to promote saving.

We're all for this innovative way to encourage residents to save money. That's especially needed in a state where more than one-third of households lack a savings account and have little put back for emergencies.

This could help residents find a path to financial security, especially in low-income areas,  eliminating the need to turn to predatory payday lending operations that can get people in a deeper financial hole.

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Banks and credit unions would be allowed to set up "prize-linked savings accounts" for customers. The more deposits you make, the more chances you have to win a prize.

This isn't gambling because there's no losing here, so this doesn't run afoul of the state's gambling rules. Still, this proposition makes that crystal clear and heads off any constitutional questions.

It deserves support.

Ready to vote?

This is a roundup of Dallas Morning News recommendations for the Nov. 7 elections.

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Early voting starts: Oct. 23

Early voting ends: Nov. 3

Election Day: Nov. 7

For more information:

Collin County 800-687-8546 co.collin.tx.us/elections

Dallas County 214-819-6300 dallascountyvotes.org

Denton County 940-349-3200 votedenton.com

Kaufman County 972-932-0298 kaufmancounty.org/elections

Tarrant County 817-831-8683 access.tarrantcounty.com/en/elections.html

For more help, including how to check your registration status, contact the Texas secretary of state at 1-800-252-8683 or visit votetexas.gov.

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