The Ballot Questions
By: Samantha Lombardi
SSU students along with the American people have given a lot of thought to who they will be voting for this November. However, not as much emphasis has been placed on the four ballot questions for people in Massachusetts. These questions are important, as they will affect everyone in some way in the Commonwealth. What follows is a brief overview to these questions, some more controversial than others..
The first questions concerns the opening of a slot parlor for players in a place right around the a horse racing area, such as Suffolk Downs. The people voting yes believe it will give Massachusetts more money and help out the horse racing area. The people voting no believe it is not good to put more casinos in Massachusetts.
The second question is about charter schools. Question two will lift the cap on the number of charter schools to 12 new schools per year and allow for expanded enrollments. People voting yes believe charter schools are a good educational initiative and want money to go towards them. The people voting no believe the charter schools pull money away from regular public schools.
The third question is about the ethical treatment of farm animals. If passed this legislation would prohibit farmers and others who keep farm animals, to purposely not allow animals to be caged in such a way that prohibits animals from laying down or fully moving around. It suggests allowing more freedom and care given to the farm animals that directly affect our food. The people voting yes want better treatment for farm animals, such as better cages and less time in them. The people voting no say that this treatment of animals will make the cost of the food go up, and already poor families won’t be able to feed themselves.
The fourth and final question is about legalization and distribution of marijuana by persons 21 years of age and older. The legislation would create a Cannabis Control Commission responsible for the distribution and licensing of marijuana establishments. The people voting yes believe it is good to legalize it so that new taxes can be generated from sale of marijuana and many low-level drug offenders can get out of jail, and that sick people in the hospitals can benefit from the medicinal values.
The people voting no think legalization will lead to many accidents and deaths, largely related to motor vehicles, because it will be easier for people to get high and then drive.
This link to the Secretary of State, Bill Galvin’s office provides the ballot questions as they will appear on the ballot in your city or town on November 8th.
Think carefully about each of these questions, and then be sure to vote!