New Poll Shows Voters Split on 2 Mass. Ballot Questions

Voters to Decide on Ranked-Choice Voting, Right to Repair in November

Voters in Massachusetts will decide on two ballot questions in November that could have a significant impact on the state's elections and economy.

Question 1 would implement ranked-choice voting, a system that allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference. Question 2 would create a "right to repair" law, giving consumers the right to fix their own electronic devices or take them to independent repair shops.

Ranked-Choice Voting: What is it and how would it work in Massachusetts?

Ranked-choice voting (RCV) is a voting 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. This process continues until one candidate receives a majority of the votes.

RCV is designed to produce majority winners and reduce the spoiler effect, which can occur when a third-party or independent candidate takes votes away from a major party candidate, resulting in the election of a candidate who does not have the support of the majority of voters.

Right to Repair: What is it and what would it mean for Massachusetts consumers?

The right to repair movement seeks to give consumers the right to repair their own electronic devices or take them to independent repair shops. This is in contrast to the current system, in which manufacturers often restrict repairs to authorized service centers, which can be expensive and inconvenient.

A right to repair law would require manufacturers to make diagnostic and repair information available to consumers and independent repair shops. It would also prohibit manufacturers from using software or hardware locks to prevent repairs.

Arguments for and against Ranked-Choice Voting

Supporters of ranked-choice voting argue that it would produce majority winners, reduce the spoiler effect, and encourage more moderate candidates to run for office. Opponents argue that it is too complicated and confusing for voters, and that it could lead to unintended consequences, such as the election of a candidate who is not the first choice of a majority of voters.

Arguments for and against Right to Repair

Supporters of right to repair laws argue that they would give consumers more choice and control over their electronic devices, reduce waste, and create new jobs in the repair industry. Opponents argue that they could lead to unsafe repairs and void warranties.

Conclusion

The outcome of these two ballot questions could have a significant impact on the state's elections and economy. Voters should carefully consider the arguments for and against each question before casting their ballots.