The Ballot Questions

by Anita Schwerner

Please don't forget to vote on the four ballot questions that are on the back of the Ballot.

Ballot Question #1 is also known as the Fair Share Amendment or the Millionaire's Tax. It asks voters to approve a Constitutional amendment that adds a 4% surcharge on the portion of taxable state income over $1 million. The amendment requires that the legislature can spend the revenue collected through the surtax only on public education and infrastructure.

A Yes vote on #1 means you're in favor of amending the constitution to include an additional 4% t ax on income over $1 million. Proponents say it will improve public education, public colleges, and universities and roads, bridges and public transportation.

A No vote on #1 means you want no change to the constitution and to the 5% flat income tax rate in Massachusetts. Opponents say Fair Share would be bad for small-business owners, family farmers, and homeowners who want to sell and that wealthy residents will leave the state.

Ballot Question #4 asks voters if they approve the Work and Family Mobility Act, which allows undocumented immigrants to get driver's licenses or learner's permits if they can provide proof of their identity, show MA residency and meet standard requirements including a road test and proof of insurance. They can not be registered to vote or to get a Real ID. The law would go into effect in July 2023.

A Yes vote on #4 would uphold the law and allow individuals to apply for a driver's license regardless of immigration status. Proponents say it will improve road safety and the ability to work and get places. Having a legal license will relieve immigrants' worries about being pulled over during traffic stops. Seventeen other states plus Washington D.C. have adopted similar laws and note that the number of hit and run accidents have gone down, as well as the number of unlicensed and uninsured drivers.

A No vote on #4 would repeal the law and prevent undocumented immigrants from getting a legal driver's license. Arguments for a no vote suggest that the law would enable people to be illegally registered to vote because the Registry of Motor Vehicles is not qualified to vet foreign documents.

Question 2 asks voters if they will approve a proposed law that has to do with dental insurance. Question 3 asks voters if they approve a proposed law that would expand the availability of licenses for the sale of beer and wine at retail locations in MA while reducing the availability of all-liquor licenses.

It's important to be informed and then vote! Your vote matters!

Photo: Larry Ackerman