This Tuesday on Election Day, SMU students, faculty and staff can make a big impact on Texas college students by voting “yes” for Proposition 3.

Proposition 3 is one of 10 proposed state constitutional amendments on the Texas ballot. It will allow the state to expand its College Access Loan program, which offers affordable fixed-rate loans to thousands of students. More than 70 students at SMU this year are benefiting from the program, with loans totaling more than $1 million.

Proposition 3 is also good for Texas taxpayers. No tax money is used to repay the loans or to run the program. Instead, the state issues bonds, and student borrowers repay the principal and interest.

Proposition 3 appears on the ballot as: “The constitutional amendment providing for the issuance of general obligation bonds of the State of Texas to finance educational loans to students.”

Today, well more than half of all Texas college students rely on loans and financial aid to attend college. If you’re a registered Texas voter, you can show your support: Learn more at votexas.org. Then, exercise your right to vote.

Pony Up!

Austin Prentice is a senior majoring in political science and biology and currently serves as the SMU student body president. He can be reached for comment at [email protected].