Election season has come to an end and although majority of the countries’ attention has been focused in on the presidential election this past month, four ballot questions have been decided on and most of the them will take action on January, 1. 2017. Here are the results.
Question 1, which discussed the expansion and creation of Slot Machine Gaming, would allow the state Gaming Commissions to permit operation of a gaming establishment with no more than 1,250 slot machines with restriction on table games, as stated by the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. As recorded by the Boston Globe, the outcome of the popular vote was 60.7% or 1,896,982 voting no. This meaning there will be no change to the current law regarding slot machines which is that the state of Massachusetts permits up to three casinos and one slots only casino in the state, as stated on Malden Gaming Commissions law.
Question 2, which discussed the expansion of charter schools, would allow the state Board of Elementary and Secondary education to allow twelve new charter schools or enrollment expansion in existing charter schools each year. The approval of this proposal would expand statewide charter school enrollment by up to 1% of the total statewide public school enrollment each year. However these charter schools would be subject to the same approval standards and be subjected to annual performance reviews according to standards established by the Board, as stated by the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts . This would take effect on January, 1. 2017 if passed. The outcome of the popular vote, as recorded by the Boston Globe, stated that 62.1% or 2,004,932 votes voted negative on this proposal. This meaning there will be no change to the current law being that there can be no more than 120 charter schools in the state are allowed to operate and there are currently 78, as stated on WBUR 90.9.
Question 3, which discussed the improvement of animal confinement, would prohibit a farm owner or operator from knowingly confining any breeding pig, calf, raised veal, or egg laying hen in a way that prevents the animal from lying down, standing up and fully extending its limbs or from free movement. This proposal would exempt sales or food products that combine veal or pork with other products. The outcome of the popular vote, as recorded by the Boston Globe, stated that 77.7% or 2,502,676 votes voted yes. This meaning that the proposal will prohibit any confinement of pigs, calves and hens that prevent them from having free movement on January, 1, 2022.
Question 4, which discussed the legalization of Marijuana, would permit the possession, use, distribution and cultivation of Marijuana in limited amounts by persons age 21 and older and would remove criminal penalties for such activities, as stated by the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This authorizes persons at least 21 years old to possess up to ten ounces of Marijuana inside their residences and grow up to six marijuana plants in their residences. However the proceeds of retail sales of Marijuana would be subject to a state sales tax and an additional excise tax of 3.75%. This would not apply to existing law regarding medical marijuana treatment centers or operation of motor vehicles while under the influence. The outcome of the popular vote, 53.6% or 1,745,945 votes, voted yes. This will allows persons 21 years and older to possess, use and transfer marijuana and cultivate marijuana in limited amounts and provide necessary tax on December 15, 2017.
