Be an informed voter

Have you had a chance to check out all of the Massachusetts-specific questions that will be on your ballot this year? If not, take a look at the overview we’ve put together here.

For Google-ized viewing, check out their My Ballot tool to see what will be on your local ballot. To view your ballot directly, put your address in here.

Referenda: We’ve whittled down the descriptions to what you would be voting yes or no for. For the full question text, visit the Secretary of the Commonwealth.¹

Question 1 – Slot Machines

YES: would permit the state Gaming Commission to license one additional slot-machine gaming establishment at a location that meets certain conditions specified in the law.

NO: would make no change in current laws regarding gaming.

Listen: WBUR debates Question 1

Question 2 – Charter Schools

YES: would allow for up to 12 approvals each year of either new charter schools or expanded enrollments in existing charter schools, but not to exceed 1% of the statewide public school enrollment.

NO: would make no change in current laws relative to charter schools.

Listen: WBUR debates Question 2

Question 3 – Animal Confinement

YES: would prohibit any confinement of pigs, calves, and hens that prevents them from lying down, standing up, fully extending their limbs, or turning around freely.

NO: would make no change in current laws relative to the keeping of farm animals.

Listen: WBUR debates Question 3

Question 4 – Legalize Marijuana

YES: would allow persons 21 and older to possess, use, and transfer marijuana and products containing marijuana concentrate (including edible products) and to cultivate marijuana, all in limited amounts, and would provide for the regulation and taxation of commercial sale of marijuana and marijuana products.

NO: would make no change in current laws relative to marijuana.

Listen: WBUR debates Question 4