With polls now closed in Massachusetts, the wait is on to see which candidates — and ballot questions — have gotten the vote in Massachusetts.
This election cycle, five initiatives were on the ballot. Learn about them, and any results that have trickled in yet, here.
Question 1 has been spearheaded by State Auditor Diana DiZoglio. If passed, it would expand the auditor’s investigative power and allow her office to audit the Massachusetts Legislature.
Question 2 concerns the MCAS exam. If passed, this measure would remove the graduation requirement for Massachusetts public school students to pass the 10th grade exam. Students would still take the exam, but schools would use their own graduation criteria. The Massachusetts Teachers Union is pushing the measure, arguing that standardized tests aren’t the best way to measure students’ abilities. Some parents’ groups oppose the measure, saying that it helps ensure that high standards are met by all students.
Question 3 would allow rideshare drivers at companies like Uber and Lyft to form unions and push for better wages and working conditions. Several unions like Local 32BJ are supporters of the measure. Some opponents say it could increase the cost of rides. This measure would not apply to other gig workers like DoorDash and InstaCart.
Question 4 would legalize some natural psychedelics, like psilocybin. It would allow people to grow them at home, and create ways for adults to take them under professional supervision. Advocates say psychedelics help with conditions like depression and PTSD. Opponents say the way the measure is written doesn’t provide enough specific standards for the treatment facilities or home cultivation, and it could be very expensive for people who want to use the products.
Question 5 would increase the base pay for tipped workers in Massachusetts, implemented gradually over five years until their wage reaches the state’s minimum wage. Customers would still be able to leave tips. Proponents say a higher tipped wage would help tipped workers like servers have more stable incomes, and potentially equalize pay between “front of house” and “back of house” workers. Opponents include tipped workers who worry they would receive fewer tips and less pay overall. Some restaurants say that menu prices may go up to compensate for the higher wages, or they may have lower profits.
Read up on Massachusetts’ ballot questions
Prior reporting by GBH News’ Meghan Smith was used in this story.
