Massachusetts ballot question results – NBC Boston

Massachusetts voters approved an audit of the Legislature but rejected an increase in hourly wages for workers who collect tips. They also opposed the use of certain plant-based psychedelics and eliminated the use of nationwide testing as a requirement for high school graduation. These were five measures up for a vote on Tuesday.

As of early Wednesday morning, one question is still too close to answer: If Question 3 passes, it would give union rights to drivers for ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft

Here's a look at the Massachusetts 2024 ballot question results

Jeff Saperstone takes a closer look at the five initiatives on the ballot in Massachusetts this year.

APPROVED: Mass Vote Question 1 – Allow State Legislature to Be Considered

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

The ballot measure was led by Auditor Diana DiZoglio, who previously served in both the 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 justice, transparency and accountability that a legislative review 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 were considering “how best to respect the election results on Question 1 in a way that is consistent with.” consistent with the fundamental principles of the Massachusetts Constitution, including the separation of powers.”

Among five ballot initiatives in Massachusetts, Question 1 asks voters whether the state auditor should have the authority to audit the Legislature.

APPROVED: Mass Voting, 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 exams, but passing these exams is no longer required for graduation.

The MCAS system tests are administered in mathematics, science and technology, and English. Instead of passing the exams, students must complete coursework certified by the local school district and meet state academic standards in the subjects.

Teachers' unions have been among the strongest critics of using the tests as a graduation requirement, saying “teaching to the test” limits their ability to provide students with a more well-rounded education.

Proponents of the testing argued that without the testing requirement, school districts would impose lower standards so students could graduate. They said it was unfair to award diplomas to students who were not ready.

Should MCAS be eliminated as a graduation requirement in Massachusetts or left 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 TO CALL: Mass Vote, Question 3 – Allow Uber and Lyft drivers to unionize

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

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

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

Unions pushed for the change even as the attorney general's office announced a settlement in June that guaranteed Uber and Lyft drivers a minimum wage of $32.50 an hour.

Opponents said the measure would raise prices for drivers without directly helping drivers. Critics also argued that the question would create a “new radical work category” that is inconsistent with federal labor laws, saying drivers already enjoy benefits including higher hourly rates and paid sick and family leave.

The bill in question would address how many liquor licenses can be held under a single name.

COMPLETED: Mass Vote, Question 4 – Legalization of Psychedelic Substances

Massachusetts will not become the third state to legalize some mind-altering drugs deemed illegal by the federal government after voters rejected the measure Tuesday. The ballot question would have allowed residents 21 and older to grow and consume plant-based psychedelics under certain circumstances.

The psychedelics include two found in so-called “magic mushrooms” – psilocybin and psilocyn – and three from plants – mescaline, dimethyltryptamine and ibogaine.

This would have made it possible to purchase the substances from approved locations and use them under the supervision of a licensed moderator. Critics had warned that the measure could lead to a black market.

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

Ballot Question 4 will allow voters in Massachusetts to decide whether to legalize and regulate certain psychedelic drugs. Supporters say the hallucinogens have shown promise in research for people battling opioid use disorder and mental illness, among other things, but opponents fear they could be dangerous.

COMPLETED: Mass Vote, Question 5 – Raising the minimum wage for tipped workers

Voters rejected a proposal to gradually increase the amount employers must pay workers who collect tips, such as servers at restaurants.

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

Now, if an employee doesn't earn enough in tips to make $15 an hour, the employer must make up the difference.

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

Proponents argued 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 diners and could lead to the closure of some neighborhood restaurants.

Should tipped workers be paid a minimum wage in Massachusetts? It's on the ballot for the 2024 election, and we dug into the issue to see what supporters and opponents of Ballot Question 5 are. Follow NBC10 Boston: https://instagram.com/nbc10boston https://tiktok.com/@nbc10boston https://facebook.com/NBC10Boston https://twitter.com/NBC10Boston

Discover everything Top election results around Massachusetts and the country here.