In addition to the more widely covered presidential elections, Massachusetts voters took to the ballot box to vote on five state-wide ballot questions. These questions provide citizens with the opportunity to participate in American democracy directly. Massachusetts’ questions this year ranged from issues concerning the MCAS to labor unions for ride-share drivers.
The first question proposed the authorization for the State Auditor to have the authority to audit the legislature. The question was approved with significant support, as 71.6% voted in favor—the widest voter margin of all measures.
Question two proposed eliminating the MCAS, a statewide assessment for public school students, as a graduation requirement. This measure also passed with a 59.1% share of the vote, removing the MCAS as a graduation requirement for Massachusetts public school students. Mr. Bracken, who disagrees with eliminating the tests, explained, “At the moment, our MCAS scores are bad. But that is not a reflection of the tests but a reflection of the structural challenges we face in our schools, particularly ones with fewer resources who are unable to educate our students adequately. Getting rid of the tests doesn’t change that—it just changes the belief of why we are failing our students.”
He also displayed a study that showed students who did worse on the MCAS and attended college typically are less successful than those who succeeded on the MCAS. Mr. Bracken explained that this direct correlation between scores and later success is just one of the many reasons he is disappointed in the passing of this measure.
Question three presented an offer for ride-share drivers (from Lyft, Uber, etc.) to form labor unions, allowing drivers to bargain benefits, terms, and work conditions collectively. In the closest margin of all the questions, it passed with a 53.8% majority.
Question four proposed the legalization of possession and growing limited amounts of natural psychedelic substances for those aged 21 and above, regulated by a state commission. This proposal did not pass, as only 43.9% approved of this referendum.
Finally, question five proposed raising the minimum wage for tipped workers to 15$, matching the current minimum wage in Massachusetts for non-tipped workers. If passed, after five years, employers could pool tips and distribute them to all nonmanagement workers. This measure also failed to pass, as 64.4% of voters disapproved of the proposal.
At Belmont Hill, many faculty, staff, and older students like Alex Laidlaw ’25 considered these questions directly impacting the future of the Commonwealth. He explained, “As a first time voter, I found the ballots questions to be an interesting opportunity to consider ways our state can improve.”
Indresh Chandel