Five ballot questions are on the 2024 General Election ballot
It is recommended that you read all the lengthy questions and do your own research before heading to the polling place. The 2024 ballot consists of 2 ballot sheets printed on both sides of the page. You should write down your choices on a sheet of paper or in your mobile phone notes app to make voting more convenient for you.
League of Women Voters Newton has information about the ballot questions here. Tufts University has extensive information about the ballot questions here.
The Secretary of State’s Office has prepared election information in several languages:
Question 1: State Auditor’s Authority to Audit the Legislature
What Your Vote Will Do
As required by law, the statements describing the effect of a “yes” or “no” vote are written jointly by the State Attorney General and the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
A YES VOTE would specify that the State Auditor has the authority to audit the Legislature.
A NO VOTE would make no change in the law relative to the State Auditor’s authority.
Read the full ballot text here: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/publications/information-for-voters-24/quest_1.htm
Question 2: Elimination of MCAS as High School Graduation Requirement
What Your Vote Will Do
As required by law, the statements describing the effect of a “yes” or “no” vote are written jointly by the State Attorney General and the Secretary of the Commonwealth
A YES VOTE would eliminate the requirement that students pass the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) in order to graduate high school but still require students to complete coursework that meets state standards
A NO Vote would make no change in the law relative to the requirement that a student pass the MCAS in order to graduate high school.
Read the full ballot text here: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/publications/information-for-voters-24/quest_2.htm
Question 3: Unionization for Transportation Network Drivers
What Will Your Vote Do
As required by law, the statements describing the effect of a “yes” or “no” vote are written jointly by the State Attorney General and the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
A YES VOTE would provide transportation network drivers the option to form unions to collectively bargain with transportation network companies regarding wages, benefits, and terms and conditions of work.
A NO VOTE would make no change in the law relative to the ability of transportation network drivers to form unions.
Read the full ballot text here: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/publications/information-for-voters-24/quest_3.htm
Question 4: Limited Legalization and Regulation of Certain Natural Psychedelic Substances
What Your Vote Will Do
As required by law, the statements describing the effect of a “yes” or “no” vote are written jointly by the State Attorney General and the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
A YES Vote would allow persons over age 21 to use certain natural psychedelic substances under licensed supervision and to grow and possess limited quantities of those substances in their home, and would create a commission to regulate those substances.
A NO Vote would make no change in the law regarding natural psychedelic substances.
Read the full ballot text here: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/publications/information-for-voters-24/quest_4.htm
Question 5: Minimum Wage for Tipped Workers
What Your Vote Will Do
As required by law, the statements describing the effect of a “yes” or “no” vote are written jointly by the State Attorney General and the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
A YES Vote would increase the minimum hourly wage an employer must pay a tipped worker to the full state minimum wage implemented over five years, at which point employers could pool all tips and distribute them to all non-management workers.
A NO Vote would make no change in the law governing tip pooling or the minimum wage for tipped workers.
Read the full ballot text here: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/publications/information-for-voters-24/quest_5.htm