Earlier today, it was announced that a slew of possible ballot questions for the November 2024 Massachusetts elections have been certified, drawing citizen attention towards significant topics such as rent control, the role of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) test as a graduation requirement, and the rights and benefits for drivers on app-based platforms, among others. According to NBC Boston, these proposed laws may have far-reaching consequences in the 2024 and 2026 elections.
Attorney General Andrea Campbell's office certified the majority of the 42 potential ballot questions submitted by the August deadline, with just seven being rejected and one withdrawn by its sponsor. Among the cleared proposals for the ballot, one initiative filed by Rep. Mike Connolly explores giving cities and towns various "tenant protection" options, including rent control provision, which was banned statewide in a 1994 ballot question. The Boston Herald reports there have been a significant number of legal briefs – 32 in favor and 23 in opposition – aiming to sway Campbell's decisions over the past month.
Two potential questions concerning the removal of the MCAS exam as a high school graduation requirement were given the go-ahead by Campbell's office. Proponents argue that the exam contributes to unequal educational outcomes and stress on students, while opponents claim it's a necessary accountability measure and that its removal will result in a decline in education quality. The Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA) has been vocal in supporting the move to replace the MCAS requirement, expressing optimism regarding the proposed ballot question's legitimacy, as per The Boston Herald.
Campbell's office also approved multiple versions of a revived app-based driver question and a proposed law requiring voter identification. According to NBC Boston, petitioners often file multiple versions of a question for review in hopes that at least one is certified by the attorney general's office.
For those proposals that have received the green light, the next steps entail supporters collecting more than 75,000 signatures to be filed with local election officials by November 22nd and with Secretary of State William Galvin's office by December 22nd. Following these actions, the Legislature will conduct a review of all questions. The outcomes of these potential questions may significantly transform the landscape of Massachusetts, affecting a variety of sectors from education to housing and app-based driver rights.
