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Massachusetts Voting Questions Results – NBC Boston
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Massachusetts Voting Questions Results – NBC Boston

Massachusetts voters said yes to auditing the Legislature but rejected raising hourly wages for tip-collecting workers. They also rejected the use of certain plant-based psychedelics and eliminated the use of statewide testing as a requirement for obtaining a high school diploma. Those were among the five measures in Tuesday’s vote.

As of early Wednesday morning, one question remains too close to answer: If approved, Question 3 would give union rights to drivers for taxi companies like Uber and Lyft

Here’s a look at the results of the 2024 ballot questions in Massachusetts

Jeff Saperstone takes a closer look at the five initiatives surrounding this year’s Massachusetts vote.

APPROVED: Mass Vote Question 1 — Allowing control of the state legislature

Voters gave the state auditor the power to audit the legislature.

The ballot measure was led by State Auditor Diana DiZoglio, who previously served in both the state House and Senate. She said the measure’s passage is a victory for those who want a more open state government.

“The people of Massachusetts want the equality, transparency and accountability that a legislative audit would bring,” she said.

Critics had said the question would violate the separation of powers enshrined in the Massachusetts Constitution.

Democratic Senate President Karen Spilka and House Speaker Ronald Mariano released a statement saying they will consider “how best to respect the election results of Question 1 in a manner consistent with the fundamental principles of the Massachusetts Constitution, including the separation of powers.”

Of the five ballot initiatives in Massachusetts, Question 1 asks voters whether the state auditor should have the power to audit the legislature.

APPROVED: Mass Ballot Question 2 — Remove MCAS as a graduation requirement

Residents have voted to eliminate the 10th grade Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System. The measure does not eliminate the tests, but passing them is no longer required for graduation.

The MCAS System tests are given in mathematics, science and technology and English. Instead of passing the tests, students must complete courses certified by the local school district and meet the state’s academic standards for the subjects.

Teachers unions are among the strongest critics of using the tests as a graduation requirement, saying “teaching to the test” limits their ability to give students a more complete education.

Proponents of the tests argued that without the testing requirement, school districts will have lower standards so students can graduate. They said it is unfair to award degrees to students who are not ready.

Should MCAS be ended as a graduation requirement in Massachusetts or should it remain as is? Voters will decide in the 2024 election. Follow NBC10 Boston: https://instagram.com/nbc10boston https://tiktok.com/@nbc10boston https://facebook.com/NBC10Boston https://twitter.com/ NBC10Boston

TOO CLOSE: Mass Vote Question 3 – Allow Uber and Lyft Drivers to Unionize

Drivers for ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft are considered independent contractors who do not have the right to unionize under federal law. The proposal would allow them to unite in the state.

Drivers would not be required to participate. Individual companies could band together to form associations to represent their interests in negotiations. As part of the measure, the state would have the right to approve negotiated contracts.

The proposal would also create a hearing when a company or union is accused of unfair labor practices.

Unions pushed for the change despite a settlement announced in June by the attorney general’s office that guarantees Uber and Lyft drivers earn a minimum wage of $32.50 an hour.

Opponents say the measure will raise prices for motorcyclists without directly benefiting drivers. Critics also argued that the demand would create what they call “a new radical employment category” that violates federal labor laws. They say the drivers already receive benefits, including the higher hourly rate and paid sick and medical leave.

The law in question would determine how many liquor licenses can be held under one name.

REPORT: Mass Vote Question 4 – Legalize Psychedelic Substances

Massachusetts will not become the third state to legalize a number of mind-altering drugs deemed illegal by the federal government after voters rejected the measure Tuesday. The vote would allow residents 21 and older to grow and use plant-based psychedelics under certain circumstances.

Psychedelics include two substances found in so-called ‘magic mushrooms’ – psilocybin and psilocyn – and three from plants – mescaline, dimethyltryptamine and ibogaine.

It would have allowed the substances to be purchased from approved locations for use under the supervision of a recognized facilitator. Critics had warned that the measure could lead to a black market.

They also argued that the centers would not be stopped from giving psychedelics to people considered high risk, such as people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Ballot Question 4 will see Massachusetts voters decide whether to legalize and regulate certain psychedelic drugs. Proponents say the hallucinogens have shown promise in research for people battling issues like opioid use disorder and mental illness, but opponents worry it could be dangerous.

REPORT: Mass Ballot Question 5 – Raise the Minimum Wage for Tipped Workers

Voters rejected a proposal to gradually increase how much employers must pay workers who collect tips, such as waiters at restaurants.

The state wage for tipped workers is now $6.75 per hour, while the minimum hourly wage for most other workers is $15.

If an employee doesn’t earn enough in tips to bring them up to $15 an hour, the employer must make up the difference.

Under the proposal, employers would have to pay $9.60 to tipped workers on Jan. 1, equivalent to the state’s full minimum wage in early 2029.

Supporters believed that tips should be a reward for good service, not a subsidy for low wages. Critics said the proposal would have reduced overall wages for servers, increased costs for restaurants and customers and could force some neighborhood restaurants to close.

Should Tipped Employees Be Paid a Minimum Wage in Massachusetts? It’s on the agenda for the 2024 elections, and we dug into the issue to see who is in favor and against voting question 5. Follow NBC10 Boston: https://instagram.com/nbc10boston https://tiktok.com/@nbc10boston https://facebook.com/NBC10Boston https://twitter.com/NBC10Boston

Discover all best election results around Massachusetts and the country here.