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.

In this 2015 file photo, young marijuana plants stand under lamps at a marijuana growing facility in Arlington, Washington. (Elaine Thompson/AP)

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.

Local Coverage

02:56Nov 8, 2016

Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville, pictured here just before it opened in 2015, holds the state's only slots parlor license. (Jesse Costa/WBUR)

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.

Local Coverage

Nov 8, 2016

Terry Kwan of Brookline, along with other Question 2 opponents, holds signs in Coolidge Corner. (Jesse Costa/WBUR)

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.

Local Coverage

02:10Nov 8, 2016

A consumer looks over Whole Foods Market's extensive selection of eggs that already comply with Question 3 requirements. (Andrea Shea/WBUR)

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...

Local Coverage

Nov 8, 2016

Question 2 Donations — For And Against — Top $41 Million

In the most expensive ballot-question campaign in state history, spending now exceeds $38 million.

Local Coverage

Nov 7, 2016

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.

Local Coverage

Nov 7, 2016

The state's foundation budget formula determines how schools are funded by the state. (Unsplash)

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.

Local Coverage

Nov 4, 2016

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.

Local Coverage

05:08Nov 4, 2016

Al Shanker addresses the National Press Club in 1988. (American Federation of Teachers Papers, Walter P. Reuther Library, Wayne State University.)

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.

Local Coverage

05:10Nov 4, 2016

Gov. Baker On Why He's Campaigning Hard For Charter School Expansion

Gov. Charlie Baker explains his stance on Question 2.

Local Coverage

06:34Nov 3, 2016

Next-door neighbors on Orchard Street in Watertown show their opinions about Question 2, one sign supporting the expansion of charter schools and one sign opposing it. (Jesse Costa/WBUR)

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.

Local Coverage

07:28Nov 3, 2016

Is marijuana safer than alcohol or tobacco? We look at the science in three areas: addiction or dependence, disease, and death. (Rick Bowmer/AP File)

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.

Local Coverage

05:35Nov 2, 2016

A pro-charter group's mailing features President Barack Obama's image and mentions his "education legacy."

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.

Local Coverage

Nov 1, 2016

In this 2013 file photo, different strains of pot are displayed for sale at a marijuana dispensary in Denver. (Brennan Linsley/AP)

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."

Local Coverage

Oct 28, 2016

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.

Local Coverage

Oct 27, 2016

Data from City of Boston Office of Budget Management (Courtesy Boston Public Schools report)

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.

Local Coverage

Oct 25, 2016

Maine joins California, Nevada and Massachusetts in voting to legalize recreational marijuana. (AP)

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.

Local Coverage

02:34Oct 24, 2016

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...