Ballot Questions 2016
Four questions will appear on the Nov. 8, 2016, Massachusetts ballot. Here's our coverage of the questions and debates of the positions.
Mass. Votes To Legalize Recreational Marijuana
The landmark change makes it legal for adults, age 21 and older, to grow and use marijuana at home in Massachusetts.
Mass. Voters Reject Proposal For 2nd Slots Parlor In The State
The narrowly written referendum was backed by a developer with a specific plan in mind.
Mass. Voters Say No To Charter School Expansion
Massachusetts voters on Tuesday defeated Question 2, which would have allowed as many as 12 new or expanded charter schools a year.
Mass. Voters Approve Question 3, Banning Certain Farm Animal Confinement Practices
The new law bans the sale of products from pigs, calves and hens that aren't provided with enough room to move around, as well as the use of such confinement...
Question 2 Donations — For And Against — Top $41 Million
In the most expensive ballot-question campaign in state history, spending now exceeds $38 million.
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Two Families, Two Stories: Charter Schools And Special Needs
The issue of special needs is complex, and so are the experiences of families in both district and charter schools.
How School Finance Works: Two Fact-Checking Tweetstorms In The Charter Debate
Understanding why Boston spends more than most cities, and how the state sets school aid, gives context to Question 2.
Mayor Walsh On Why He Opposes Question 2 On Charter Schools
Many voters are conflicted on Question 2, which seeks to lift the state cap on charter schools. Boston Mayor Marty Walsh explains his opposition to the ballot question.
Charter Schools Began In A Surprising Way: With A Union Leader
Al Shanker was an early champion of charters -- but later disavowed the idea as it changed.
Gov. Baker On Why He's Campaigning Hard For Charter School Expansion
Gov. Charlie Baker explains his stance on Question 2.
Charter Question Splits Suburbs — Even Suburbs With No Charter Schools
With few charter schools now in their districts, suburban voters nevertheless express strong views on Question 2.
Testing The Claim That Marijuana Is Safer Than Alcohol Or Tobacco
We look at the science behind the claim in three areas: addiction or dependence, disease, and death.
Obama Has Not Endorsed Question 2, White House Says
A pro-charter group's leaflet showed the president's picture and urged voters to "secure" his "legacy" by voting yes on Question 2.
Opinion: I Advise My Patients Against Marijuana, But Here’s Why I’ll Vote To Legalize It
"Rising prison populations constitute a major threat to public health and I believe the costs of incarceration for patients and communities simply outweigh the dangers of marijuana."
Where The Money Comes From In The Fight Over Charter Schools
The campaign on Question 2 is the most expensive in state history -- but some contributions are more traceable than others.
Lifting Charter Cap Would Be 'Apocalyptic' For Boston, Some Councilors Say
At a hearing, Boston City Councilors Annissa Essaibi George and Tito Jackson predicted disaster if Question 2 passes.
Analysis: Despite Polls Showing Support For Legal Pot In Mass., Some Caution
With fewer polls this election season and a tendency for voters to tune into ballot questions late, Question 4 may not be sure to pass, pollster Steve Koczela writes.
Leading Psychosis Expert To His Students: To Avoid Risk, Hold Off On Pot Til 30
As attitudes toward marijuana shift, a leading expert on psychosis warns about heavy teen use and concern that it raises the risk of later schizophrenia from about 1 percent to...
What You Need To Know About The 4 Mass. Ballot Questions
Not sure how to vote on the ballot questions? Here's the lowdown on weed, charters, chickens and slots.
WBUR Poll: Support Increases For Legalizing Marijuana In Mass.
Fifty-five percent of likely voters back the ballot measure, while 40 percent are opposed.