As the clock struck 2 a.m. Wednesday, only two of the five Massachusetts ballot questions had been called by the Associated Press, leaving voters on edge about the remaining decisions.
Question 1
Massachusetts voters decisively called for increased transparency in the state’s notoriously opaque legislative process Tuesday. With more than half of votes counted, the campaign aimed at empowering the state auditor to audit the Legislature surged ahead with a commanding 71% of the vote late Tuesday night.
This landmark Question 1 grants the state auditor — currently held by Diana DiZoglio — unprecedented power to audit the state Legislature, a capability previously denied. This decision comes after state lawmakers resisted audits, despite the auditor already overseeing other state entities. The impasse was further complicated when State Attorney General Andrea Campbell determined last year that the auditor could not audit the Legislature without its consent, prompting DiZoglio to advocate for legislative change.
As a former state lawmaker herself, DiZoglio fervently campaigned on this issue during her run for auditor, igniting support among her followers. “Power to demand access, transparency, equity, and accountability from our government,” she proclaimed to her gathered supporters Tuesday evening, emphasizing the need for accountability regarding taxpayer expenditures.
Experts caution that even with the passage of this ballot question, the matter could still spiral into a legal battle. Professor Jeremy Paul of the Northeastern University School of Law expressed concerns that the presence of an independent auditor could compromise the legislature’s autonomy, potentially prompting judicial scrutiny.
Question 2
The campaign behind ballot question 2 to eliminate the tenth-grade MCAS exam as a graduation requirement was approved by voters early Wednesday morning. With this change, Massachusetts joins the ranks of a handful of states that have opted out of common graduation standards.
Massachusetts Teachers Association Vice President Deb McCarthy addressed supporters Tuesday night, asserting their commitment to safeguarding their hard-won victory. “The people have spoken and we are going to be united, protecting the winning question two,” she declared enthusiastically.
Massachusetts Teachers Association President Max Page attributed the victory to dedicated efforts of union members and volunteers who gathered an impressive 170,000 signatures over multiple campaigns. “Incredible, incredible sign of the support,” Page noted as he celebrated the newly altered graduation criteria that allows districts to establish their own standards.
This change signifies that starting this spring, passing the MCAS will no longer be a requisite for high school students to receive their diplomas, giving more autonomy to local educational authorities.
Question 3
Question 3 aims to empower rideshare drivers from companies like Uber and Lyft to form unions, advocating for improved wages and working conditions. Supporters, including various unions like Local 32BJ, rally behind the measure while opponents raise concerns that it could lead to higher ride costs. Notably, this measure is exclusive to rideshare drivers and does not extend to other gig workers such as DoorDash and InstaCart.
Question 4
The campaign behind ballot question 4 to legalize psychedelic substances conceded defeat Tuesday night, yet the Associated Press has not officially called the race. Aayush Bajpai, representing the “Yes on 4” campaign, expressed gratitude for the conversations held with tens of thousands of Massachusetts voters regarding the accessibility of natural psychedelics for those seeking alternatives to traditional treatments.
Imani Turnbull Brown emphasized the importance of remaining focused on education, harm reduction, and inclusivity for marginalized communities, advocating for informed discussions surrounding psychedelic substances despite the campaign’s outcome.
Question 5
Opponents of a statewide ballot measure to raise the minimum wage for tipped workers in Massachusetts rejoiced with the declaration of their victory. The Associated Press called the race definitively for the “no” side at 12:41 a.m. Wednesday as more than 70% of votes were tallied.
The proposal aimed to gradually uplift the minimum wage for tipped workers in the commonwealth from a mere $6.75 an hour to the standard minimum wage of $15, but with the “no” vote prevailing, the current rate will remain intact. “We keep the power in the hands of individual servers and bartenders,” noted Nancy Caswell, treasurer of Massachusetts Restaurants United, reinforcing their stance against the wage increase.
Despite the setback, Steven Rosario, who has dedicated five years to the service industry, remains hopeful, stating, “We try again… we’re not giving up.” The strong opposition from the restaurant industry, which argued that increasing the wage could jeopardize many businesses, further complicated the campaign’s goals.
Saru Jayaraman, co-founder and president of One Fair Wage, acknowledged the campaign’s efforts on raising awareness about the sub-minimum wage faced by tipped workers, insisting that even though the measure did not pass, the narrative surrounding this vital issue is resonating more than ever with the public.
Prior reporting by GBH News’ Meghan Smith was used in this story.
**Interview with Diana DiZoglio, Massachusetts State Auditor**
**Editor**: Good morning, Diana. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the results of the recent ballot questions in Massachusetts.
**Diana DiZoglio**: Thank you for having me. It’s an important time for transparency in our government, and I’m excited to share more about the implications of these results.
**Editor**: Let’s start with Question 1. You campaigned heavily for the ability to audit the Legislature. Now that it seems to have passed with overwhelming support, how do you feel about this historical moment?
**Diana DiZoglio**: It’s a monumental victory not just for me, but for all the voters who care about accountability in government. This change empowers my office to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. We’ve faced a lot of resistance in the past, and this gives us the tools we need to promote transparency in our legislative process.
**Editor**: Although it’s a significant win, some experts warn of potential legal challenges regarding legislative autonomy. How do you plan to address those concerns?
**Diana DiZoglio**: I understand the concerns from experts like Professor Jeremy Paul. We’re committed to enforcing transparency without stepping on the toes of legislative autonomy. Our goal is to collaborate and ensure we maintain a checks-and-balances system that benefits the public.
**Editor**: Moving on to Question 2, regarding the elimination of the MCAS as a graduation requirement, what does this mean for students and local school districts?
**Diana DiZoglio**: This change opens the door for local school districts to tailor their requirements based on the needs of their students. It allows them to implement standards that reflect their community values and ensure that graduating students are prepared for the next steps, whether that be college or the workforce.
**Editor**: Question 3 sought to empower rideshare drivers. Do you think this could set a precedent for other gig workers in the future?
**Diana DiZoglio**: Absolutely. Empowering rideshare drivers is an important step toward fair labor practices. If successful, it may likely inspire similar movements among other gig economy workers. It’s about creating a framework where workers can advocate for their rights without fear of retaliation.
**Editor**: Lastly, Question 4, which sought to legalize psychedelics, has not yet been officially called, but the campaign has conceded. What are your thoughts on this issue and its implications for mental health treatment in Massachusetts?
**Diana DiZoglio**: While it’s disappointing to see the campaign concede, the conversations initiated around mental health and alternative treatments are invaluable. This topic will continue to gain traction, and I believe it will stay on the agenda for future discussions on how we approach mental health care in Massachusetts.
**Editor**: Thank you, Diana. Your insights help us understand the broader impact of these ballot measures. We look forward to seeing how these changes unfold in our state.
**Diana DiZoglio**: Thank you for having me. I’m looking forward to working on these initiatives and engaging with the community moving forward.
