Ballot questions to expect in Massachusetts

BOSTON, Mass. (WLNE) — With election day around the corner, early voting is in full swing, and Massachusetts voters are considering key questions that could impact education and government oversight.

Ballot question one asks voters if the state auditor should have the authority to audit the legislature itself.

The state auditor is independently elected by the people of mass to audit every state entity to help make government work better.

Currently, the state legislature is the only state entity refusing to be audited by the auditor’s office.

Supporters say this would create more transparency and accountability in state government, while opponents argue it could lead to conflicts of interest.

A yes vote on question two would remove the requirement for students to pass the Massachusetts comprehensive assessment system, or MCAS, to graduate.

Proponents believe this would relieve pressure on students and provide alternative paths to graduation, while critics are concerned it could lower academic standards statewide.

Question five on this year’s ballot is one of the more controversial measures, as it would would phase out the $6.75 “tipped minimum wage,” requiring employers to directly cover the full minimum wage of their tipped workers by 2029.

Wait staff could still collect tips, but restaurants will be allowed to pool and share those tips among cooks, book keepers and other workers who don’t directly interact with customers.

The ballot questions has received some opposition from some servers who prefer the current system.

Another question would allow Uber and Lyft drivers to form unions, which is currently not allowed.

If passed, the unionization would only apply to drivers, not food delivery workers.

It would also likely increase the cost of rides for commuters.

Lastly, another question would legalize the use of certain natural psychedelic substances for adults over 21, under licensed supervision.

If voted yes, it would also allow individuals to grow and possess limited amounts of these substances at home and create a commission to regulate them.

General election day is November 5.

In Massachusetts, early voting runs through November 1.

Tomorrow is the deadline to apply for a vote by mail ballot, which will need to be submitted by 5 p.m.

Voting information can be found here.