West Virginia voters will decide on a constitutional amendment related to a homestead exemption increase on Nov. 3, 2026.

The measure, House Joint Resolution 42, was referred to the ballot by the West Virginia State Legislature, voting unanimously in both chambers to send it to the ballot. In West Virginia, constitutional amendments require at least a two-thirds vote in each chamber to be referred to the ballot, and don’t require a governor’s signature.

The amendment would increase the minimum homestead exemption for certain homeowners from $20,000 to $50,000. A homestead exemption is a tax benefit that reduces the taxable value of a homeowner’s primary residence, therefore lowering the amount of property tax they owe.

The exemption would apply to state residents who are 65 years old or over, or are totally disabled, as defined by the state legislature. The amendment would also provide for the state legislature to enact a law granting an exemption to homeowners who are not at least 65 years old or are totally disabled. The homestead exemptions would apply to both primary residences and mobile homes.

The West Virginia homestead exemption, which applies to residents 65 years old or over and totally disabled, is in Article X of the West Virginia Constitution and was first approved by voters in 1973. The original exemption was $5,000 of taxable assessed value. In 1980, this was increased to $10,000 when voters approved an amendment, and in 1982, the exemption was increased to $20,000. The amount has not increased since 1982.

The measure will join another amendment on the Nov. 3, 2026, ballot, also referred by the state legislature—an amendment that would state that only citizens may vote in elections.