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...
Massachusetts Voters Head To The Polls
We check in around the state and New England to hear how election day is going.
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Question 2 Donations — For And Against — Top $41 Million
In the most expensive ballot-question campaign in state history, spending now exceeds $38 million.
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.
What Parents Think Of Lifting The Charter School Cap
We talked to two parents who have different views on Question Two. We heard what these two parents want for their children's education.
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.
The Joint That Haunts Me: 44 Years After An Arrest For Pot Possession, Reflections On Q4
An arrest for marijuana possession when he was in college rendered Ed Meek and his wife, two decades later, ineligible to adopt.
Why This Teachers Union Is Fighting The Charter School Ballot Question
The president of the American Federation of Teachers in Massachusetts, Tom Gosnell, says lifting the charter school cap "threatens the public school system."
Mass. Ballot Questions Motivate Some Latinos To Vote
The publisher of El Planeta says many of his readers are more motivated to vote on two controversial state ballot questions than the president.
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.
Yes On Question 3: Our Meat And Eggs Needn't Come With A Side Of Animal Cruelty
What unites us all, writes Stephanie Harris, is the belief that all animals, including farm animals, deserve protection from cruelty.
Credit Agency Warns Negative Outcome On Municipal Finances If Charter Ballot Question Passes
The email from Moody's warns that if the measure to expand charter schools passes, that would be "credit negative" for Boston, Lawrence, Springfield and Fall River.
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.
It's Black And White: The Social Justice Case For Legalizing Marijuana
Hundreds of people in Boston’s neighborhoods of color are disproportionately stopped by the police for marijuana, writes Carol Rose, while their white suburban neighbors who consume at the same rate...