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What do party propositions do?

Short answer: They're basically opinion polls for the parties.

SARGENT, Texas — A few items on both the Democratic and Republican ballots have caught a few Texans by surprise. 

Voters have the chance to weigh in on party propositions – but what does that mean?

The ballots in this year's primary don't contain explanations about what the propositions are, so some people think they are voting on the Texas Constitution or voting for items that will appear on the November ballot. But that's not the case. These "yes or no" questions are more like opinion polling for the political parties. 

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The Democrats are framing their propositions as a Bill of Rights. For instance, Prop 1 is "Right to Healthcare." It states, "Should everyone in Texas have a right to quality healthcare, protected by a universally accessible Medicare-style system that saves rural hospitals, reduces the cost of prescription drugs and guarantees access to reproductive healthcare?"

On the Republican ticket, Prop 1 states, "Texas should not restrict or prohibit prayer in public schools."

There are also propositions on education, gun rights, immigration and more top political topics. Voters' answers will help the parties shape their agendas and legislative priorities.

But these propositions do not change any laws.

WATCH: The history of the 'Texas two-step' primary voting system

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