There are four statewide ballot initiatives before Massachusetts voters this year.
Additional independent expenditures from Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance (campaign finance)
QUESTION 1
Additional tax on income over $1 million
Do you approve of the adoption of an amendment to the constitution summarized below, which was approved by the General Court in joint sessions of the two houses on June 12, 2019 (yeas 147 – nays 48); and again on June 9, 2021 (yeas 159 – nays 41)?
A “yes” vote would amend the state constitution to impose an additional 4% tax on that portion of incomes over one million dollars to be used, subject to appropriation by the state Legislature, on education and transportation.
A “no” vote would make no change in the state constitution relative to income tax.
Independent analysis from Tufts University’s Center for State Policy Analysis
Supporters:
Fair Share Massachusetts (website, campaign finance)
Coalition for Social Justice (website, campaign finance)
Vote Yes on Fair Share 2022 (campaign finance)
Opponents:
Coalition to Stop the Tax Hike Amendment (website, campaign finance)
Don't Kill the Goose (campaign finance)
Additional independent expenditures from Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance (campaign finance)
QUESTION 2
Regulation of dental insurance
Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House of Representatives on or before May 3, 2022?
A “yes” vote would regulate dental insurance rates, including by requiring companies to spend at least 83% of premiums on member dental expenses and quality improvements instead of administrative expenses, and by making other changes to dental insurance regulations.
A “no” vote would make no change in the law relative to the regulations that apply to dental insurance companies.
Independent analysis from Tufts University’s Center for State Policy Analysis
Supporters:
Committee on Dental Insurance Quality (website, campaign finance)
Massachusetts Dental Care Providers for Better Dental Benefits (website, campaign finance)
Fair Share for Dental Care (campaign finance)
Opponents:
Committee to Protect Access to Quality Dental Care (website, campaign finance)
Committee For Competitive Dental Plans for Consumers (campaign finance)
Related news stories:
What to know about Question 2, which would force dental insurers to spend a minimum rate on patients
QUESTION 3
Expanded availability of licenses for the sale of alcoholic beverages
Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House of Representatives on or before May 3, 2022?
A “yes” vote would increase the number of licenses a retailer could have for the sale of alcoholic beverages to be consumed off premises, limit the number of “all-alcoholic beverages” licenses that a retailer could acquire, restrict use of self-checkout, and require retailers to accept customers’ out-of-state identification.
A “no” vote would make no change in the laws governing the retail sale of alcoholic beverages.
Independent analysis from Tufts University’s Center for State Policy Analysis
Supporters:
21st Century Alcohol Retail Reform Committee (website, campaign finance)
Opponents:
Food Stores for Consumer Choice (campaign finance)
Additional independent expenditures from Massachusetts Fine Wines & Spirits, LLC (Total Wine & More) and Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance (campaign finance)
Related news stories:
Making sense of Question 3, which would change Massachusetts' liquor laws
Additional independent expenditures from Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance (campaign finance)
QUESTION 4
Eligibility for driver’s licenses
Do you approve of a law summarized below, which was approved by the House of Representatives and the Senate on May 26, 2022?
A “yes” vote would keep in place the law, which would allow Massachusetts residents who cannot provide proof of lawful presence in the United States to obtain a driver’s license or permit if they meet the other requirements for doing so.
A “no” vote would repeal this law.
Independent analysis from Tufts University’s Center for State Policy Analysis
Urging a “yes” vote:
Vote YES for Work and Family Mobility (website, campaign finance)
Urging a “no” vote:
Fair And Secure Massachusetts (website, campaign finance)
Related news stories:
What to know about Question 4: Deciding the fate of immigrant driver's license law in Massachusetts
