Single Payer Question on the Ballot in 10 Districts

Update: The question passed by substantial margins...ranging from 66% in Natick to 82% in Amherst.

Voters in a handfull of districts across the state will see this question on their ballot:

“Shall the representative from this district be instructed (1) to support legislation that establishes health care as a human right regardless of age, state of health or employment status, by creating a single payer health insurance system that is comprehensive, cost effective, and publicly provided to all residents of Massachusetts, and (2) to oppose any laws penalizing the uninsured for failing to obtain health insurance.”

Supporters say a "yes" vote would send the message that the state's health coverage law is inadequate and unaffordable. The "no" side says the state's experiment with near universal coverage is working and is the politically viable option. The issue is before voters in Dennis, Provincetown, Falmouth, Orange, Northampton, Amherst, Natick, Newton, Marshfield, West Roxbury (and part of Brookline).