Massachusetts Statewide
Ballot Measures: An Overview
The table below indicates the total number of each type of binding question appearing on the ballot since 1919 and the number of each type approved. It also includes a short description of the requirements for approval for each type of question.
Type of Question |
Requirements for Approval |
# of Questions on the Ballot since 1919 |
# of Questions Approved |
Approval % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Initiative Petition for a Law |
30% or more of the voters casting ballots at the election must vote affirmatively. A majority of the ballots cast on the question must be affirmative. |
80 |
36 |
45% |
Initiative Petition for a Constitutional Amendment |
30% or more of the voters casting ballots at the election must vote affirmatively. A majority of the ballots cast on the question must be affirmative. |
3 |
2 |
66.6% |
Legislative Constitutional Amendment |
Majority of ballots cast on the question must be affirmative. |
63 |
53 |
84.13% |
Referendum Petition on an Existing Law |
30% or more of the voters casting ballots at the election must vote against the law. A majority of voters casting ballots on the question must vote against the law. |
18 |
10 |
55.6% |
Legislative Advisory Question |
Nonbinding advice to the legislature if approved by a majority. |
13 |
8 |
61.5% |
U.S. Constitutional Amendment (Advisory) |
A majority of voters casting ballots at the election must approve. |
3 |
1 |
33.3% |