CommonWealth Beacon Election Day insights

12:30 pm · Jennifer Smith, senior reporter

Two efforts to roll back existing laws look like they are in serious trouble at the booth. Question 8 would dismantle the state’s recreational cannabis industry and Question 9 would repeal a recently passed firearms law.

The bid to undo the recreational cannabis law approved by ballot measure just 10 years ago is now the most expensive question of the cycle, with almost all of the money behind the effort coming from SAM Action Inc., a Virginia-based nonprofit that exists primarily to oppose the recreational marijuana industry. Polling heading into Election Day found residents deeply skeptical about the measure, with support stuck in the low 30s at best.

Nor do they seem eager to toss the sweeping 2024 firearms law, which expanded restrictions on who can carry what firearms, and where. This is a repeal referendum, which means a “no” vote repeals the law, and polled support for the repeal has been hovering around the same level as undoing the recreational cannabis system: 31 percent or lower.

11:45 am · Jennifer Smith, senior reporter

The ballot question that looks most likely to become law (with all the caveats that nothing is over until it’s over) is Question 1, which would make the Legislature and governor’s office subject to public records law. Polling throughout the fall found a healthy majority (between 63 and 84 percent depending on the poll) of respondents expected to vote yes.

It is widely regarded as the heir to State Auditor Diana DiZoglio’s ballot measure last cycle that explicitly authorized her to audit the Legislature, and is one of two measures where lawmakers have potential legislation queued up that could undercut it if the question passes.

11:30 am · Jennifer Smith, senior reporter

With Election Day underway, it’s direct democracy pulling the most focus here in the Bay State. Voters are deciding the fate of nine ballot questions on policy areas ranging from an obscure tax cap law, to public records access, to zoning reform, to conservation funding.

If you’re still cramming for the ballot box test, we have you covered with a guide to all nine questions.