Election Day, which is November 5th, is quickly approaching. While the presidential race has clearly been the most controversial, additionally, there are five statewide ballot measures this time around. Most DHS students are underage, but some seniors, who have recently turned 18, will have the opportunity to cast their votes on Tuesday.
Question One
The first question on the ballot is regarding the state auditor’s authority to audit the Massachusetts legislature. Every four years, Massachusetts residents elect a “chief accountability officer”, who evaluates the performance of state agencies and ensures that they’re following state laws. A vote ‘Yes’ would expand the auditor’s authority to the non-core functions of the legislature, like how taxpayer dollars are spent. A vote ‘No’ would make no change in the current law, where the auditor’s authority is limited to executive agencies.
Question Two
The second question is highly relevant for Danvers High School. This question suggests calls for the elimination of MCAS as a high school graduation requirement, as Massachusetts is one of few states that requires a high school graduation test. A vote ‘Yes’, would eliminate the current requirement for students to pass the MCAS in order to graduate. Students would still be required to take MCAS, but their scores will not longer determine whether or not they’re eligible to graduate. Supporters of this question argue that standardized tests like MCAS cannot fully measure a student’s capabilities or skills.
Since 2023, the Massachusetts Teachers Associations (MTA) has fought against MCAS through clearing the steps that has created the topic into a ballot question. A vote ‘No’ would uphold the current requirement. Opponents of Question 2 say that this question is “misguided” and will make school systems “unfair and increase inequality by eliminating the only statewide education standard.”
Question Three
The third ballot question is regarding unionization for transportation network drivers, like Uber and Lyft. Currently, rideshare drivers are not allowed to form unions. Opponents of this question believe that this might lead to higher prices for riders. A vote ‘Yes’ would allow transportation network drivers to form unions are bargain for higher wages and working conditions. A vote ‘No’ would uphold the current law, which prevents rideshare drivers to unionize.
Question Four
Question four is about the legalization of certain natural psychedelic substances, like psilocybin and psilocin. This measure would establish regulations for the licensing of psychedelic substances for places like therapy centers, facilitators, and testing, meaning it would still be illegal to purchase without a medical profession. A vote ‘Yes’ would legalize the use of certain psychedelic substances for those over 21 under licensed supervision. A vote ‘No’ would make no change in the current law, keeping these substances illegal.
Question Five
The fifth and final question is another relevant question for any tipped workers, though it also directly affects anyone who easts out at restaurants. The question is whether or not the state should implement minimum wage for tipped workers. In Massachusetts, tipped workers are guaranteed minimum wage of $15 an hour, but, employers can currently pay as little as $6.75 an hour. A vote ‘Yes’ would gradually increase the minimum wage for tipped workers to the full state minimum over a five-year period.
Supporters of this question argue that this is only fair for workers, and that tips should be rewarded for good service, not merely because the business doesn’t pay their workers enough. A vote ‘No’ would cause no change in the current law. Opponents of this question is largely servers. The Massachusetts Restaurant Association and Governor Maura Healey have come also come out strongly against this question. They believe that by raising minimum wage and decreasing the amount of tips they receive, that they’ll ultimately make less overall.
Clearly, there’s a variety of important ballot questions for this year’s election. Next edition, The Flying Onion will report out election and ballot results.