2022 Massachusetts State Ballot Questions

An Overview of the Upcoming Election

The 2022 Massachusetts state election will be held on November 8, 2022. Voters will decide on four ballot questions that address a range of issues, from transportation funding to dental insurance.

Question 1: Transportation and Climate Initiative Program

This question seeks to establish a regional program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector. The program would require participating states to adopt a cap-and-invest program, which would limit the amount of greenhouse gases that can be emitted by certain industries.

Supporters of the program argue that it is necessary to address climate change and reduce air pollution. Opponents argue that the program would be too costly and would not be effective in reducing emissions.

Question 2: Fair Share Amendment

This question seeks to amend the Massachusetts constitution to impose an additional 4% surtax on the portion of an individual's income over $1 million. The revenue generated by the surtax would be used to fund public education and transportation.

Supporters of the amendment argue that it is necessary to provide additional funding for essential public services. Opponents argue that the amendment would be unfair to high-income earners and would discourage investment in Massachusetts.

Question 3: Ranked-Choice Voting

This question seeks to implement ranked-choice voting in Massachusetts for all statewide elections. Ranked-choice voting is a system in which voters rank candidates in order of preference. If no candidate receives a majority of first-choice votes, the candidate with the fewest first-choice votes is eliminated and their votes are redistributed to the remaining candidates based on voters' second-choice preferences.

Supporters of ranked-choice voting argue that it would make elections more competitive and give voters more choice. Opponents argue that it is too complex and would lead to confusion among voters.

Question 4: Dental Insurance

This question seeks to require all health insurance plans in Massachusetts to cover adult dental care. Dental care is currently not covered by most health insurance plans in the state.

Supporters of the question argue that dental care is essential to overall health and that it should be covered by health insurance. Opponents argue that the question would be too costly and would lead to higher health insurance premiums.