A GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS OF VOTING PATTERNS FOR WATER RELATED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS IN TEXAS, 1957-19811

ABSTRACT: Country level electoral data were used to analyze the voting patterns of eight water related constitutional amendment elections. Both water quality enhancement amendments (1971, 1976), and three of six water development amendments (1957, 1962, 1966) have been ratified, thus establishing a statewide policy of reservoir development, a funding mechanism to implement such a policy, and the creation of a water management agency. Begining with the 1969 election, a West Texas-East Texas regionalized voting pattern has emerged, resulting in the defeat of three amendments (1969, 1976, 1981) intended to provide additional funding for water development. This regionalization reflects different climatic, physiographic, economic, and locational factors, and represents a potential obstacle to coordinated water management in Texas.