As a quick glance at any news outlet makes clear, the 2020 Election cycle is in full swing. While the early press coverage is already focusing on the large field of aspiring presidential nominees barnstorming in Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina, by August 2019 Massachusetts voters will also get an early look at which state ballot questions will be seeking a spot on the November 2020 Massachusetts ballot.… More
Category Archives: ballot questions
2018 Potential Ballot Questions
On Wednesday, the Massachusetts State Legislature voted to permit a proposed constitutional amendment to appear on the November 2018 state election ballot. The proposed amendment would add a 4 percent surcharge on incomes over $1 million (called the “Fair Share Amendment” by supporters).
The Fair Share Amendment will not be the only question facing Massachusetts voters next fall. If you’ve been following State AG Insights,… More
How to Pop the Question: Initiatives and Referendums for the State Election Ballot
At last week’s Boston Pride Week kickoff, Mayor Marty Walsh was asked about a question slated for the November 2018 ballot that would repeal the new transgender public accommodations law in Massachusetts. If you’ve been following State AG Insights, you know that we have been closely following the 2018 ballot question process. Most questions for the 2018 ballot are still in the process of being drafted,… More
Time to Start Working on 2018 Ballot Questions
It may feel like the dust has yet to settle on the 2016 Election, but the first important deadlines for the 2018 Election are just around the corner. In Massachusetts, proposed Initiative Petitions for the November 2018 ballot must be submitted to the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office (AGO) on or before Wednesday, August 2, 2017.
Initiative petitions provide issue advocates with a means of passing policy proposals that may have stalled in the Legislature. … More