Charlotte Kerrigan ‘29
News Editor
Massachusetts recently held midterm elections. On the ballot, there were 9 additional questions in which voters were asked their opinions on actions a legislator should take:
Ballot question 1 proposed a law that would, under Massachusetts Public Records, make most records held by the Office of the Governor and Legislature public. This law passed with about 86% of voters voting “yes”. This means as of January 1st 2027, most records under the Office of the Governor and Legislature will become public record.
Ballot question 2 requested permission for the Committee of Public Counsel Services to unionize, allowing them to engage in bargaining with their employer. This law passed, allowing for the state’s public defenders to unionize.
Ballot question 3 proposed elimination of political party primaries and would instead implement a system where there would be a single ballot regardless of political affiliations. This would allow voters to vote for anyone on the ballot regardless of party affiliation. The two candidates with the most votes would advance regardless of political party. This law did not pass, meaning the current system will remain.
Ballot question 4 proposed that those who register to vote on Election Day at the polls could vote the same day. At polling stations, individuals can register to vote with proof of residency and a valid photo identification. Those who register to vote on Election Day will also be registered for future elections. This law passed and will go into effect in Jan. 2028.
Ballot question 5 proposed that the state of Massachusetts would be limited on how much total tax dollars it would be permitted to collect annually. The limit would increase based on how much wages and salaries grow. If the state collects more than the cap, then the money would be redistributed to taxpayers, although it would limit the amount of money Massachusetts has available for public services. This law did not pass, meaning the current laws will stay in effect.
Ballot question 6 proposed to create a Nature for All Fund that would receive 50% of state taxes from the sale of sporting goods, recreational vehicles, and golf courses for the first year of the fund. Then, on Jul. 1, 2028, the Nature for All Fund will receive 100% of state taxes from the sale of sporting goods, recreational vehicles, and golf courses. This would also allow for public and private donations to the fund as well as provide funds for public charities involved in natural resource conservation. This law passed all for the creation of the Nature for All Fund.
Ballot question 7 proposed that single-family homes on residential land can be built as long as the lot is at least 5,000 square feet and 50 feet along a street or public road. This would make it easier for people to build individual houses in residential neighborhoods. This law did not pass, meaning there is no change in the zoning laws for building single-family houses.
Ballot question 8 proposed to legalize someone 21 or older to possess 1 ounce or less of marijuana, including no more than 5 grams in the concentrated form. The law would also impose a $100 fine for anyone with the possession of 1-2 ounces of marijuana. It would also change the authority of the Cannabis Control Center to regulate medical marijuana, criminalizing recreational marijuana. This law failed, allowing for the protection of the marijuana industry.
Ballot question 9 proposed that Massachusetts keep strict gun laws that passed in 2024. This would create restrictions on untraceable firearms and assault style guns, allow for more ways for a court to consider someone dangerous enough to surrender firearms, make safety training necessary, and add more location restrictions. This law was voted in, maintaining the same gun laws the state had previously.
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