Do Massachusetts’ Ballot Questions Work? Will the Legislature Honor Them?

• Yes, Massachusetts ballot initiatives are implemented automatically without needing legislative approval. That’s why they are the most powerful tool available to voters to directly change government policy.
• Since 1919, there have been 57 questions put directly to the voters of Massachusetts; 26 have passed and stand as law today. (Source: www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elebalm/balmpdf/balmtype.pdf; updated manually for 2006 and 2008)
• Contrary to the whining of many who claim that the legislature won’t let this tax cut stand, the overwhelming majority of ballot initiatives that were approved by voters stand as law today — including the last 2 tax cut initiatives to pass. Together they have saved Massachusetts taxpayers $12.7 billion over the last 10 years!
• The governor, Senate President, House Majority Leader, and every candidate for governor has pledged that they will honor the will of the voters if Question 3 passes.