Massachusetts voters may decide to legalize mushrooms and end graduation tests on ballot
Jeremiah Poff
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The attorney general of Massachusetts approved the language of 34 proposed ballot referendums that could find their way onto the 2024 ballot, including efforts to end standardized testing requirements and require voters to show a government ID.
Supporters of the approved petitions are now permitted to collect signatures in order to qualify their initiative for the 2024 general election ballot after Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell determined they were within the parameters of the state constitution.
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“Today’s decisions strictly reflect the AGO’s constitutional role in the Article 48 process,” the attorney general’s office said in a press release. “Certification does not represent, and does not in any way reflect, support or opposition to the policies proposed by the petitions.”
The certified petitions deal with a wide range of issues. Here are some of the most noteworthy initiatives:
Eliminating standardized test requirements for high school graduation
The attorney general certified a petition that would eliminate a requirement that high school students achieve a certain score on the MCAS in order to graduate. The petition is supported by the Massachusetts Teachers Association.
Gasoline tax suspension
If this petition is successful, Massachusetts drivers would see the gas tax suspended if the retail cost for gas topped $3 per gallon.
State constitutional right to privacy
This proposed amendment to the state constitution would establish a right to privacy and would direct the state legislature to pass legislation restricting the ability of companies to collect the private data of individuals.
Changes to state election law
The attorney general approved several petitions that, if passed, would make changes to the state’s election law process. The proposed changes would expand voting registration to allow for Election Day registration, while another proposal would require all voters to present a government-issued photo ID at the polling booth.
Another proposal would amend the state constitution to allow incarcerated felons to vote.
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Legalized psychedelics
Voters could weigh in on the legality of psychedelic mushrooms if the approved petition collects sufficient signatures. The proposed language would allow users aged 21 and older to use psychedelic drugs.