Welcome to this collection of information about all Massachusetts Ballot Questions since 1919! I created this resource to mesh together as many sources as I could about this topic, and to improve accessibility and engagement with the data.
All data is sourced from public records and archives. My main resource was the Massachusetts Secretary of State's website (although there were a few mistakes) and the hyperlinks under "Ballot Info" all go to Ballotpedia.
Although there have been items that have gone to the public vote before 1919, most notably the Constitution of the United States, the year marked the first time when the voters of the whole state could decide on measures brought by the legislature and the citizens themselves. To date, there have been a total of 195 statewide ballot questions! There have also been eight election years where there were none: 1936, 1940, 1952, 1954, 1956, 1960, 1984, and 2004.
Please note: Question 5 in 1968: "Alcoholic beverage questions for each municipality" was different in each... municipality. Because there was no general vote, I did not count this meassure for the final number.
Use the dropdowns to filter and select multiple options, and feel free to type inside each dropdown. Use the search bar on the right to find exactly what you're looking for. Please explore this database, jumping through the various ballot questions reveales the history of the Bay State in a very unique way!
Year | Election Date | Ballot Number | Ballot Info (Not Exact Title) | Type | Outcome | Yes Votes | No Votes | Blank Votes | Total Votes | Percent Voted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1919 | November 4, 1919 | 1 | Rearrangement of Constitution Commonwealth | Similar to Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 263,359 (50%) | 64,978 (12%) | 200,977 (38%) | 529,314 | 62% |
| 1919 | November 4, 1919 | 2 | Interest and dividends on savings deposits in banks | Referendum Petition on an Existing Law | Not Repealed | 257,136 (49%) | 110,412 (21%) | 161,766 (30%) | 529,314 | 70% |
| 1920 | November 2, 1920 | 1 | Definition of cider, beer, et al, as non-intoxicating liquors | Initiative Petition for a Law | Adopted | 442,215 (43%) | 432,951 (42%) | 153,972 (15%) | 1,029,138 | 85% |
| 1922 | November 7, 1922 | 1 | Roll calls in General Court on adoption of preambles of emergency laws | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 333,549 (36%) | 252,111 (27%) | 352,321 (38%) | 910,891 | 63% |
| 1922 | November 7, 1922 | 2 | Tort liability of certain voluntary associations | Referendum Petition on an Existing Law | Repealed | 300,260 (32%) | 301,205 (34%) | 309,426 (34%) | 910,891 | 66% |
| 1922 | November 7, 1922 | 3 | State censorship of motion pictures | Referendum Petition on an Existing Law | Repealed | 208,252 (23%) | 553,173 (61%) | 149,466 (16%) | 910,891 | 84% |
| 1922 | November 7, 1922 | 4 | "Baby Volstead” Act (Prohibition) | Referendum Petition on an Existing Law | Repealed | 323,964 (36%) | 427,840 (47%) | 159,087 (17%) | 910,891 | 83% |
| 1922 | November 7, 1922 | 5 | Lawyers only to be District Attorneys | Referendum Petition on an Existing Law | Not Repealed | 396,623 (44%) | 282,011 (31%) | 232,257 (25%) | 910,891 | 75% |
| 1924 | November 4, 1924 | 1 | Qualification of voters for certain state offices (striking out the word "male") | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 456,919 (38%) | 246,499 (20%) | 509,959 (42%) | 1,213,377 | 58% |
| 1924 | November 4, 1924 | 2 | Enabling women to hold any state, county or municipal office | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 473,744 (39%) | 266,377 (22%) | 473,256 (39%) | 1,213,377 | 61% |
| 1924 | November 4, 1924 | 3 | Prohibition to manufacture or transport liquor or certain non-intoxicating beverages (“Baby Volstead Act”) | Referendum Petition on an Existing Law | Not Repealed | 454,656 (38%) | 446,473 (37%) | 312,248 (25%) | 1,213,377 | 74% |
| 1924 | November 4, 1924 | 4 | Excise tax on gasoline and other fuel | Referendum Petition on an Existing Law | Repealed | 281,631 (23%) | 547,460 (45%) | 384,286 (32%) | 1,213,377 | 68% |
| 1924 | November 4, 1924 | 5 | Regulation of foreign banking | Referendum Petition on an Existing Law | Not Repealed | 435,141 (36%) | 187,228 (15%) | 591,008 (49%) | 1,213,377 | 51% |
| 1924 | November 4, 1924 | 6 | Keep Daylight savings | Legislative Advisory Question | N/A | 492,239 (41%) | 426,759 (35%) | 294,379 (24%) | 1,213,377 | 76% |
| 1924 | November 4, 1924 | 7 | “Congress shall have the power to limit, regulate and prohibit labor of persons under 18.” | United States Constitutional Amendment (Advisory) | N/A | 241,461 (20%) | 697,563 (57%) | 274,353 (23%) | 1,213,377 | 77% |
| 1926 | November 2, 1926 | 1 | Township Governance Amendment | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 394,538 (38%) | 160,837 (15.5%) | 483,091 (46.5%) | 1,038,466 | 54% |
| 1926 | November 2, 1926 | 2 | Veteran Preference for Civil Service Initiative | Initiative Petition for a Law | Not Adopted | 352,796 (34%) | 381,895 (37%) | 303,775 (29%) | 1,038,466 | 71% |
| 1928 | November 6, 1928 | 1 | Authorizing certain Sunday sporting events | Initiative Petition for a Law | Adopted | 803,281 (50%) | 467,550 (29%) | 339,183 (21%) | 1,610,014 | 79% |
| 1930 | November 4, 1930 | 1 | Apportionment of senatorial, representative and councillor districts | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 443,618 (35%) | 159,119 (12%) | 654,377 (53%) | 1,250,114 | 47% |
| 1930 | November 4, 1930 | 2 | Repeal of “Baby Volstead” Act | Initiative Petition for a Law | Adopted | 649,592 (52%) | 368,544 (30%) | 231,978 (18%) | 1,250,114 | 82% |
| 1930 | November 4, 1930 | 3 | Regulation of trapping | Initiative Petition for a Law | Adopted | 606,532 (49%) | 278,916 (22%) | 364,666 (29%) | 1,250,114 | 71% |
| 1932 | November 8, 1932 | 1 | Legalizing practice of chiropractics | Initiative Petition for a Law | Not Adopted | 351,094 (22%) | 602,520 (37%) | 655,934 (41%) | 1,609,548 | 59% |
| 1932 | November 8, 1932 | 2 | Regulating nomination procedures | Initiative Petition for a Law | Adopted | 553,822 (34%) | 262,948 (16%) | 792,778 (50%) | 1,609,548 | 50% |
| 1932 | November 8, 1932 | 3 | Fixing the commencement of terms of president and vice president | United States Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 784,821 (49%) | 134,786 (8%) | 689,941 (43%) | 1,609,548 | 57% |
| 1934 | November 6, 1934 | 1 | Regulation of trapping | Referendum Petition on an Existing Law | Not Repealed | 484,172 (32%) | 320,543 (21%) | 702,959 (47%) | 1,507,674 | 53% |
| 1938 | November 8, 1938 | 1 | Providing biennial sessions of the General Court and a biennial budget | Initiative Petition for a Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 748,030 (42%) | 417,134 (23%) | 630,388 (35%) | 1,795,552 | 65% |
| 1938 | November 8, 1938 | 2 | Free public taxicab stands in cities and towns | Initiative Petition for a Law | Adopted | 664,762 (37%) | 614,487 (34%) | 516,303 (29%) | 1,795,552 | 71% |
| 1942 | November 3, 1942 | 1 | Revision of birth control law | Initiative Petition for a Law | Not Adopted | 495,964 (35%) | 683,059 (48%) | 247,697 (17%) | 1,426,720 | 83% |
| 1944 | November 7, 1944 | 1 | Fair, concise summary of each ballot question sent to voters instead of description of each question “Information for Voters” | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 861,148 (43%) | 124,517 (6%) | 1,023,304 (51%) | 2,008,969 | 49% |
| 1944 | November 7, 1944 | 2 | Pardoning of felonious offenses | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 650,475 (32%) | 405,039 (20%) | 953,455 (48%) | 2,008,969 | 52% |
| 1944 | November 7, 1944 | 3 | Restoring annual sessions of General Court and annual budget | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 557,930 (28%) | 514,675 (26%) | 934,364 (46%) | 2,008,969 | 54% |
| 1944 | November 7, 1944 | 4 | Absentee voting because of physical disability | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 893,139 (44%) | 197,782 (10%) | 918,048 (46%) | 2,008,969 | 54% |
| 1944 | November 7, 1944 | 5 | Authorizing certain games of chance to be conducted by certain nonprofit organizations | Referendum Petition on an Existing Law | Not Repealed | 738,387 (37%) | 351,918 (18%) | 918,664 (45%) | 2,008,969 | 55% |
| 1946 | November 5, 1946 | 1 | Pensions paid by Commonwealth to citizens 65 years of age or over in need of relief or support | Initiative Petition for a Law | Not Adopted | 536,175 (31%) | 568,026 (33%) | 610,793 (36%) | 1,714,994 | 64% |
| 1946 | November 5, 1946 | 2 | Labor unions must file with commissioner of labor and industries | Initiative Petition for a Law | Adopted | 789,317 (46%) | 360,771 (21%) | 564,906 (33%) | 1,714,994 | 67% |
| 1948 | November 2, 1948 | 1 | “The right of free speech shall not be abridged.” | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 1,353,307 (63%) | 246,033 (11%) | 556,007 (26%) | 2,155,347 | 74% |
| 1948 | November 2, 1948 | 2 | Use of certain revenues for highway purposes only | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 1,329,232 (62%) | 274,351 (13%) | 551,764 (25%) | 2,155,347 | 75% |
| 1948 | November 2, 1948 | 3 | Election of certain constitutional offices in case of failures to elect them or death prior to assuming office | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 1,207,103 (56%) | 284,813 (13%) | 663,431 (31%) | 2,155,347 | 69% |
| 1948 | November 2, 1948 | 4 | Birth control advertising | Initiative Petition for a Law | Not Adopted | 806,829 (38%) | 1,085,350 (50%) | 263,168 (12%) | 2,155,347 | 88% |
| 1948 | November 2, 1948 | 5 | Membership or nonmembership in labor organization as it relates to retaining or obtaining employment | Initiative Petition for a Law | Not Adopted | 505,575 (23%) | 1,290,310 (60%) | 359,462 (17%) | 2,155,347 | 83% |
| 1948 | November 2, 1948 | 6 | Elections of officers of labor organizations must be held annually | Initiative Petition for a Law | Not Adopted | 637,324 (30%) | 1,144,732 (53%) | 373,291 (17%) | 2,155,347 | 83% |
| 1948 | November 2, 1948 | 7 | Calling of strike by labor organization dependent on majority vote of members | Initiative Petition for a Law | Not Adopted | 653,932 (30%) | 1,124,818 (52%) | 376,597 (18%) | 2,155,347 | 82% |
| 1948 | November 2, 1948 | 8 | No person shall be elected president more than twice | United States Constitutional Amendment (Advisory) | N/A | 1,005,915 (47%) | 556,838 (26%) | 592,594 (27%) | 2,155,347 | 73% |
| 1950 | November 7, 1950 | 1 | Gubernatorial succession prior to inauguration | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 1,151,692 (59%) | 208,957 (11%) | 586,422 (30%) | 1,947,071 | 70% |
| 1950 | November 7, 1950 | 2 | Changes in number of voters' signatures required for petitions and changes in legislative procedures relating to such petitions | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 992,643 (51%) | 343,573 (18%) | 610,855 (31%) | 1,947,071 | 69% |
| 1950 | November 7, 1950 | 3 | Payments to blind persons who are 63 years of age and older | Initiative Petition for a Law | Adopted | 918,555 (47%) | 624,362 (32%) | 404,154 (21%) | 1,947,071 | 79% |
| 1950 | November 7, 1950 | 4 | Creation of Massachusetts commission to conduct monthly lottery | Initiative Petition for a Law | Not Adopted | 644,707 (33%) | 894,685 (46%) | 407,679 (21%) | 1,947,071 | 79% |
| 1950 | November 7, 1950 | 5 | Commissioner of insurance establishing classifications of risks in connection with motor vehicle liability policies or bonds | Initiative Petition for a Law | Not Adopted | 376,636 (19%) | 1,275,431 (66%) | 295,004 (15%) | 1,947,071 | 85% |
| 1958 | November 4, 1958 | 1 | Former public employees refunding portions of pensions depending upon yearly earnings | Initiative Petition for a Law | Adopted | 1,011,028 (52%) | 403,519 (21%) | 538,308 (27%) | 1,952,855 | 73% |
| 1962 | November 6, 1962 | 1 | Graduated income tax | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Not Ratified | 277,611 (13%) | 1,395,996 (65%) | 470,444 (22%) | 2,144,051 | 78% |
| 1962 | November 6, 1962 | 2 | Increasing compensation and allowances of state legislators | Referendum Petition on an Existing Law | Repealed | 276,091 (13%) | 1,339,234 (62%) | 528,726 (25%) | 2,144,051 | 75% |
| 1964 | November 3, 1964 | 1 | Four year terms for constitutional officers | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 1,391,922 (58%) | 450,367 (19%) | 546,141 (23%) | 2,388,430 | 77% |
| 1964 | November 3, 1964 | 2 | Filling of vacant offices in event of enemy attack | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 1,600,324 (67%) | 180,244 (8%) | 607,862 (25%) | 2,388,430 | 75% |
| 1964 | November 3, 1964 | 3 | Credit of Commonwealth given, loaned or pledged by 2/3 vote of each branch of legislature | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 1,351,290 (57%) | 356,271 (15%) | 680,869 (28%) | 2,388,430 | 72% |
| 1964 | November 3, 1964 | 4 | Governor & Executive Council require opinions of justices of Supreme Judicial Court on questions of law | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 1,474,803 (62%) | 232,701 (10%) | 680,926 (28%) | 2,388,430 | 72% |
| 1964 | November 3, 1964 | 5 | Eliminating statutory authority of the Governor's Council | Initiative Petition for a Law | Adopted | 1,133,624 (47%) | 589,219 (25%) | 665,587 (28%) | 2,388,430 | 72% |
| 1964 | November 3, 1964 | 6 | Increasing the compensation and allowances of state legislators | Referendum Petition on an Existing Law | Repealed | 625,194 (26%) | 1,059,352 (44%) | 703,884 (30%) | 2,388,430 | 70% |
| 1966 | November 8, 1966 | 1 | Governor and Lieutenant Governor run as a team | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 1,133,796 (55%) | 415,378 (20%) | 527,652 (25%) | 2,076,826 | 75% |
| 1966 | November 8, 1966 | 2 | Reorganization of executive department | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 1,160,773 (56%) | 353,274 (17%) | 562,779 (27%) | 2,076,826 | 73% |
| 1966 | November 8, 1966 | 3 | Providing for municipal industrial development | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 1,104,862 (53%) | 380,222 (18%) | 591,742 (28%) | 2,076,826 | 71% |
| 1966 | November 8, 1966 | 4 | Home rule for cities and towns | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 1,186,608 (57%) | 270,087 (13%) | 620,131 (29%) | 2,076,826 | 70% |
| 1966 | November 8, 1966 | 5 | Sales tax referendum | Referendum Petition on an Existing Law | Not Repealed | 1,391,100 (67%) | 358,879 (17%) | 326,847 (15%) | 2,076,826 | 84% |
| 1966 | November 8, 1966 | 6 | Temporary tax and establishing the local aid fund | Legislative Advisory Question | N/A | 1,070,599 (52%) | 446,460 (21%) | 559,767 (27%) | 2,076,826 | 73% |
| 1968 | November 5, 1968 | 1 | Extends to 10 days time in which governor may act upon legislation | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 1,293,132 (55%) | 466,560 (20%) | 588,313 (25%) | 2,348,005 | 75% |
| 1968 | November 5, 1968 | 2 | Graduated income tax | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Not Ratified | 543,772 (23%) | 1,290,303 (55%) | 513,930 (19%) | 2,348,005 | 78% |
| 1968 | November 5, 1968 | 3 | Determining gubernatorial disability | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 1,218,728 (52%) | 455,020 (19%) | 674,257 (29%) | 2,348,005 | 71% |
| 1968 | November 5, 1968 | 4 | Calling of a constitutional convention | Initiative Petition for a Law | Adopted | 885,455 (38%) | 619,392 (26%) | 843,158 (36%) | 2,348,005 | 64% |
| 1968 | November 5, 1968 | 5 | Alcoholic beverage questions for each municipality | No Data | No Data | No Data | No Data | No Data | 2,348,005 | No Data |
| 1968 | November 5, 1968 | 6 | Shall Massachusetts retain capital punishment? | Legislative Advisory Question | N/A | 1,159,348(49%) | 730,649 (31%) | 458,008 (19%) | 2,348,005 | 81% |
| 1970 | November 3, 1970 | 1 | Classification of real property according to its use | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 556,020 (20%) | 1,008,168 (49%) | 479,099 (24%) | 2,043,287 | 69% |
| 1970 | November 3, 1970 | 2 | Reducing residency requirement for voting to 6 months | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 1,116,008 (55%) | 438,363 (21%) | 488,916 (24%) | 2,043,287 | 76% |
| 1970 | November 3, 1970 | 3 | Reducing the voting age to 19 | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 903,895 (44%) | 665,573 (33%) | 473,819 (23%) | 2,043,287 | 77% |
| 1970 | November 3, 1970 | 4 | Redivision of representative and senatorial districts | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 779,885 (38%) | 552,878 (27%) | 710,524 (35%) | 2,043,287 | 65% |
| 1970 | November 3, 1970 | 5A | United States action in Vietnam - Win a military victory | Legislative Advisory Question | N/A | 231,012 (11%) | No Data | 445,907 (22%) | 2,043,287 | 78% |
| 1970 | November 3, 1970 | 5B | United States action in Vietnam - Withdraw on a planned schedule | Legislative Advisory Question | N/A | 838,469 (41%) | No Data | 445,907 (22%) | 2,043,287 | 78% |
| 1970 | November 3, 1970 | 5C | United States action in Vietnam - Withdraw Immediately | Legislative Advisory Question | N/A | 527,899 (26%) | No Data | 445,907 (22%) | 2,043,287 | 78% |
| 1972 | November 7, 1972 | 1 | Taxation of agricultural and horticultural land | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 1,440,093 (58%) | 534,143 (21%) | 529,258 (21%) | 2,503,494 | 79% |
| 1972 | November 7, 1972 | 2 | Reducing the voting age to 18 | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 1,664,998 (66%) | 399,624 (16%) | 438,872 (18%) | 2,503,494 | 82% |
| 1972 | November 7, 1972 | 3 | Removing the prohibition against paupers voting | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 1,562,886 (62%) | 426,510 (17%) | 514,098 (21%) | 2,503,494 | 79% |
| 1972 | November 7, 1972 | 4 | Student loans from the Commonwealth | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 1,407,690 (56%) | 666,276 (27%) | 429,528 (17%) | 2,503,494 | 83% |
| 1972 | November 7, 1972 | 5 | Establishing the right of the people to a clean environment | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 1,634,674 (65%) | 359,864 (14%) | 508,956 (20%) | 2,503,494 | 79% |
| 1972 | November 7, 1972 | 6 | Graduated income tax based on federal income tax | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Not Ratified | 712,030 (28%) | 1,455,639 (58%) | 335,825 (13%) | 2,503,494 | 86% |
| 1972 | November 7, 1972 | 7 | Retirement of judges at age 70 | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 1,608,282 (64%) | 502,734 (20%) | 392,469 (16%) | 2,503,494 | 84% |
| 1972 | November 7, 1972 | 8 | Lower drinking age | Legislative Advisory Question | Adopted | 1,067,458 (43%) | 1,027,914 (41%) | 408,122 (16%) | 2,503,494 | 84% |
| 1972 | November 7, 1972 | 9 | Prayer in schools | Legislative Advisory Question | N/A | 1,766,980 (71%) | 383,496 (15%) | 353,018 (14%) | 2,503,494 | 86% |
| 1974 | November 5, 1974 | 1 | Recess by General Court | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 952,007 (50%) | 471,087 (25%) | 473,327 (25%) | 1,896,421 | 75% |
| 1974 | November 5, 1974 | 2 | House membership cut from 240 to 160 | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 1,128,315 (60%) | 302,008 (15%) | 466,098 (25%) | 1,896,421 | 75% |
| 1974 | November 5, 1974 | 3 | Grants in aid to higher education | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 829,465 (44%) | 580,298 (31%) | 486,658 (26%) | 1,896,421 | 75% |
| 1974 | November 5, 1974 | 4 | Highway tax use for mass transit | Initiative Petition for a Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 824,077 (43%) | 586,558 (31%) | 485,786 (26%) | 1,896,421 | 74% |
| 1974 | November 5, 1974 | 5 | Establishing an independent Corrupt Practices Commission | Initiative Petition for a Law | Adopted | 898,547 (47%) | 475,694 (25%) | 522,180 (28%) | 1,896,421 | 72% |
| 1974 | November 5, 1974 | 6 | Health plan | Legislative Advisory Question | N/A | 1,065,279 (56%) | 353,854 (19%) | 477,288 (25%) | 1,896,421 | 75% |
| 1976 | November 2, 1976 | 1 | Equal rights | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 1,445,066 (56%) | 945,789 (36%) | 203,407 (8%) | 2,594,262 | 92% |
| 1976 | November 2, 1976 | 2 | Graduated income tax rates | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Not Ratified | 645,483 (24%) | 1,787,302 (68%) | 211,477 (8%) | 2,594,262 | 92% |
| 1976 | November 2, 1976 | 3 | Absentee voting for religious reasons | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 1,274,302 (49%) | 1,047,929 (41%) | 252,031 (10%) | 2,594,262 | 90% |
| 1976 | November 2, 1976 | 4 | Massachusetts Power Authority | Initiative Petition for a Law | Not Adopted | 346,727 (13%) | 1,983,318 (77%) | 264,217 (10%) | 2,594,262 | 90% |
| 1976 | November 2, 1976 | 5 | Ban on handguns | Initiative Petition for a Law | Not Ratified | 743,014 (29%) | 1,669,945 (64%) | 181,303 (7%) | 2,594,262 | 93% |
| 1976 | November 2, 1976 | 6 | Control bottles and cans | Initiative Petition for a Law | Not Adopted | 1,207,162 (47%) | 1,228,185 (48%) | 158,915 (7%) | 2,594,262 | 93% |
| 1976 | November 2, 1976 | 7 | Uniform electric rates | Initiative Petition for a Law | Not Adopted | 608,691 (24%) | 1,793,022 (69%) | 192,549 (7%) | 2,594,262 | 92% |
| 1976 | November 2, 1976 | 8 | Construction of an oil refinery and deep water port | Legislative Advisory Question | N/A | 1,513,165 (58%) | 803,322 (31%) | 277,775 (11%) | 2,594,262 | 89% |
| 1976 | November 2, 1976 | 9 | Sunday closing laws | Legislative Advisory Question | N/A | 1,299,144 (50%) | 1,079,045 (42%) | 216,073 (8%) | 2,594,262 | 91% |
| 1978 | November 7, 1978 | 1 | Classification amendment | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 1,285,865 (63%) | 649,400 (32%) | 108,811 (5%) | 2,044,076 | 95% |
| 1978 | November 7, 1978 | 2 | State budget deadline | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 1,223,502 (60%) | 460,452 (23%) | 360,122 (17%) | 2,044,076 | 83% |
| 1978 | November 7, 1978 | 3 | "Information for Voters” to each residence | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 1,213,413 (59%) | 480,065 (24%) | 350,598 (17%) | 2,044,076 | 83% |
| 1978 | November 7, 1978 | 4 | Residence standards for state census | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 1,142,050 (56%) | 501,077 (25%) | 400,949 (19%) | 2,044,076 | 81% |
| 1978 | November 7, 1978 | 5 | Charter commission deadline | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 812,263 (40%) | 764,800 (37%) | 467,013 (23%) | 2,044,076 | 77% |
| 1978 | November 7, 1978 | 6 | Student assignments to public schools | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 1,199,856 (59%) | 512,667 (25%) | 331,553 (16%) | 2,044,076 | 84% |
| 1978 | November 7, 1978 | 7 | Taxation of land used for recreation or left in a natural state | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 1,031,194 (51%) | 636,471 (31%) | 376,411 (18%) | 2,044,076 | 82% |
| 1980 | November 4, 1980 | 1 | Prohibit discrimination against handicapped persons | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 1,503,771 (58.5%) | 758,978 (30%) | 303,918 (12%) | 2,566,667 | 88% |
| 1980 | November 4, 1980 | 2 | Limiting local taxes (Proposition 21/2) | Initiative Petition for a Law | Adopted | 1,438,768 (56%) | 988,839 (40%) | 129,060 (5%) | 2,566,667 | 95% |
| 1980 | November 4, 1980 | 3 | Limiting state and local taxes; increase state share of education costs | Initiative Petition for a Law | Not Adopted | 816,805 (32%) | 1,473,804 (57%) | 276,058 (11%) | 2,566,667 | 90% |
| 1980 | November 4, 1980 | 4 | Would increase salaries of certain state officials | Referendum Petition on an Existing Law | Not Repealed | 265,675 (10%) | 2,014,261 (78%) | 286,731 (11%) | 2,566,667 | 88% |
| 1980 | November 4, 1980 | 5 | Would restrict state authority to place certain costs on cities and towns | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 1,401,897 (55%) | 722,425 (28%) | 442,345 (17%) | 2,566,667 | 82% |
| 1980 | November 4, 1980 | 6 | Would change legislative voting procedure for emergency laws | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Not Ratified | 610,138 (24%) | 1,479,110 (58%) | 477,419 (19%) | 2,566,667 | 81% |
| 1982 | November 2, 1982 | 1 | State aid to non-public school students and certain institutions | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Not Ratified | 708,034 (34%) | 1,160,130 (55%) | 235,616 (11%) | 2,103,780 | 89% |
| 1982 | November 2, 1982 | 2 | Death penalty | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 1,131,668 (54%) | 748,549 (35%) | 223,563 (11%) | 2,103,780 | 89% |
| 1982 | November 2, 1982 | 3 | Restricting low level radioactive waste disposal and nuclear power plant construction | Initiative Petition for a Law | Adopted | 1,249,462 (59%) | 602,955 (29%) | 251,363 (12%) | 2,103,780 | 88% |
| 1982 | November 2, 1982 | 4 | Regulating bottles and cans | Referendum Petition on an Existing Law | Repealed | 1,143,956 (54%) | 791,846 (38%) | 167,978 (8%) | 2,103,780 | 92% |
| 1986 | November 4, 1986 | 1 | Allow legislature to prohibit or regulate abortions | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Not Ratified | 689,908 (39%) | 959,311 (54%) | 128,057 (7%) | 1,777,276 | 92.8% |
| 1986 | November 4, 1986 | 2 | Allow public funds for private schools and students | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Not Ratified | 502,170 (28%) | 1,154,069 (65%) | 121,037 (7%) | 1,777,276 | 93.1% |
| 1986 | November 4, 1986 | 3 | Repeal surtax | Initiative Petition for a Law | Adopted | 863,130 (48%) | 724,925 (41%) | 189,221 (11%) | 1,777,276 | 89.4% |
| 1986 | November 4, 1986 | 4 | Would require DEQE to identify hazardous waste sites | Initiative Petition for a Law | Adopted | 1,174,676 (66%) | 404,521 (23%) | 198,079 (11%) | 1,777,276 | 88.9% |
| 1986 | November 4, 1986 | 5 | Existing law which required use of seat belts | Referendum Petition on an Existing Law | Repealed | 769,806 (43%) | 892,580 (50%) | 114,890 (7%) | 1,777,276 | 90% |
| 1986 | November 4, 1986 | 6 | Mail-in voter registration | Initiative Petition for a Law | Not Adopted | 603,370 (34%) | 966,227 (54%) | 207,677 (12%) | 1,777,276 | 87.6% |
| 1986 | November 4, 1986 | 7 | Urges Congress to enact national health care program | Legislative Advisory Question | N/A | 1,045,975 (59%) | 510,161 (29%) | 221,140 (12%) | 1,777,276 | 88% |
| 1986 | November 4, 1986 | 8 | Urges president and Congress to adopt a national acid rain program | Legislative Advisory Question | N/A | 1,262,362 (71%) | 280,379 (16%) | 234,535 (13%) | 1,777,276 | 86.8% |
| 1988 | November 8, 1988 | 1 | Would repeal law that authorized pay raise for legislators and constitutional officers | Referendum Petition on an Existing Law | Repealed | 429,008 (16%) | 2,065,532 (78%) | 195,089 (7%) | 2,689,629 | 92.7% |
| 1988 | November 8, 1988 | 2 | Repeal the prevailing wage | Initiative Petition for a Law | Not Adopted | 1,063,324 (40%) | 1,479,319 (55%) | 146,986 (5%) | 2,689,629 | 94.5% |
| 1988 | November 8, 1988 | 3 | Regulate treatment of farm animals | Initiative Petition for a Law | Not Adopted | 713,999 (27%) | 1,781,172 (66%) | 194,458 (7%) | 2,689,629 | 92% |
| 1988 | November 8, 1988 | 4 | Stop electric power plants that produce nuclear waste | Initiative Petition for a Law | Not Adopted | 770,800 (29%) | 1,626,402 (60%) | 292,427 (11%) | 2,689,629 | 89% |
| 1990 | November 6, 1990 | 1 | Repeal state census | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 1,731,341 (71%) | 479,999 (20%) | 213,239 (9%) | 2,424,579 | 91% |
| 1990 | November 6, 1990 | 2 | Limit state use of consultants | Initiative Petition for a Law | Not Adopted | 1,038,174 (43%) | 1,246,739 (51%) | 139,666 (6%) | 2,424,579 | 94% |
| 1990 | November 6, 1990 | 3 | Changes income tax law; Regulates state agencies' fees | Initiative Petition for a Law | Not Adopted | 935,337 (39%) | 1,397,542 (58%) | 91,700 (4%) | 2,424,579 | 96% |
| 1990 | November 6, 1990 | 4 | Changes laws governing establishment of political parties and nomination of candidates | Initiative Petition for a Law | Adopted | 1,134,535 (47%) | 1,027,966 (42%) | 262,078 (11%) | 2,424,579 | 89% |
| 1990 | November 6, 1990 | 5 | Regulates local aid fund | Initiative Petition for a Law | Adopted | 1,242,270 (51%) | 949,561 (39%) | 232,748 (10%) | 2,424,579 | 90% |
| 1990 | November 6, 1990 | 6 | Free and equal radio and television time for candidates | Legislative Advisory Question | N/A | 1,141,706 (47%) | 973,933 (40%) | 308,940 (13%) | 2,424,579 | 87% |
| 1992 | November 3, 1992 | 1 | Create health protection fund for education regarding the use of tobacco | Initiative Petition for a Law | Adopted | 1,429,642 (51%) | 1,200,438 (43%) | 192,579 (7%) | 2,822,659 | 93% |
| 1992 | November 3, 1992 | 2 | Make certain corporate tax information available to the public | Initiative Petition for a Law | Adopted | 1,372,192 (49%) | 1,099,585 (39%) | 350,880 (12%) | 2,822,659 | 88% |
| 1992 | November 3, 1992 | 3 | All packaging to be recycled or recyclable | Initiative Petition for a Law | Not Adopted | 1,071,219 (38%) | 1,556,298 (55%) | 195,141 (7%) | 2,822,659 | 93% |
| 1992 | November 3, 1992 | 4 | Tax on hazardous materials | Initiative Petition for a Law | Not Adopted | 1,051,046 (37%) | 1,485,451 (53%) | 286,161 (10%) | 2,822,659 | 90% |
| 1994 | November 8, 1994 | 1 | Regulating spending on ballot question campaigns | Initiative Petition for a Law | Not Adopted | 822,065 (37%) | 1,225,725 (55%) | 184,416 (8%) | 2,232,206 | 92% |
| 1994 | November 8, 1994 | 2 | Seat belt law | Referendum Petition on an Existing Law | Not Repealed | 1,240,271 (56%) | 844,755 (38%) | 147,180 (7%) | 2,232,206 | 93% |
| 1994 | November 8, 1994 | 3 | Changing the law regarding student fees | Referendum Petition on an Existing Law | Repealed | 964,871 (43%) | 1,011,474 (45%) | 255,861 (11%) | 2,232,206 | 89% |
| 1994 | November 8, 1994 | 4 | Term limits | Initiative Petition for a Law | Adopted | 1,047,927 (47%) | 984,571 (44%) | 199,708 (9%) | 2,232,206 | 91% |
| 1994 | November 8, 1994 | 5 | Opening of retail stores on Sunday morning and certain holidays | Initiative Petition for a Law | Adopted | 1,100,994 (49%) | 990,057 (44%) | 2,141,155 (6%) | 2,232,206 | 94% |
| 1994 | November 8, 1994 | 6 | Graduated income tax | Initiative Petition for a Constitutional Amendment | Not Ratified | 630,694 (28%) | 1,442,404 (65%) | 159,108 (7%) | 2,232,206 | 93% |
| 1994 | November 8, 1994 | 7 | Personal income tax changes | Initiative Petition for a Law | Not Adopted | 599,917 (27%) | 1,461,950 (65%) | 170,339 (8%) | 2,232,206 | 92% |
| 1994 | November 8, 1994 | 8 | State highway fund changes | Initiative Petition for a Law | Adopted | 1,500,238 (67%) | 526,809 (24%) | 205,159 (9%) | 2,232,206 | 91% |
| 1994 | November 8, 1994 | 9 | Prohibiting rent control | Initiative Petition for a Law | Adopted | 1,034,599 (46%) | 980,736 (44%) | 980,736 (10%) | 2,232,206 | 90% |
| 1996 | November 5, 1996 | 1 | Changing the trapping and hunting laws | Initiative Petition for a Law | Adopted | 1,422,006 (55%) | 790,415 (30%) | 790,415 (15%) | 2,600,142 | 85% |
| 1998 | November 3, 1998 | 1 | Setting compensation of state legislators | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 1,170,031 (60%) | 538,729 (28%) | 226,517 (12%) | 1,935,277 | 88% |
| 1998 | November 3, 1998 | 2 | Public campaign financing | Initiative Petition for a Law | Adopted | 1,129,934 (58%) | 572,476 (30%) | 232,867 (12%) | 1,935,277 | 88% |
| 1998 | November 3, 1998 | 3 | Tax rate on interest and dividend income | Initiative Petition for a Law | Adopted | 1,395,599 (72%) | 309,416 (16%) | 230,262 (12%) | 1,935,277 | 88% |
| 1998 | November 3, 1998 | 4 | Electric utility industry restructuring | Referendum Petition on an Existing Law | Not Repealed | 1,251,540 (65%) | 509,807 (26%) | 173,930 (9%) | 1,935,277 | 91% |
| 2000 | November 7, 2000 | 1 | Earlier Redistricting for State Legislators and Governor’s Councillors | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 1,776,278 (65%) | 742,768 (27%) | 214,785 (8%) | 2,733,831 | 92.14% |
| 2000 | November 7, 2000 | 2 | Voting By Incarcerated Felons | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 1,648,447 (60%) | 926,737 (34%) | 158,647 (6%) | 2,733,831 | 94.20% |
| 2000 | November 7, 2000 | 3 | Dog Racing | Initiative Petition for a Law | Not Adopted | 1,276,708 (47%) | 1,328,374 (48%) | 128,749 (5%) | 2,733,831 | 95.29% |
| 2000 | November 7, 2000 | 4 | Income Tax Rate Reduction | Initiative Petition for a Law | Adopted | 1,541,771 (56%) | 1,055,181 (39%) | 136,879 (5%) | 2,733,831 | 94.99% |
| 2000 | November 7, 2000 | 5 | Health Insurance and Health Care | Initiative Petition for a Law | Not Adopted | 1,229,652 (45%) | 1,325,915 (48%) | 178,264 (7%) | 2,733,831 | 93.48% |
| 2000 | November 7, 2000 | 6 | Tax Credit for Tolls and Motor Vehicle Excise Taxes | Initiative Petition for a Law | Not Adopted | 1,090,449 (40%) | 1,477,731 (54%) | 165,651 (6%) | 2,733,831 | 93.94% |
| 2000 | November 7, 2000 | 7 | Tax Deduction for Charitable Contributions | Initiative Petition for a Law | Adopted | 1,834,305 (67%) | 714,884 (26%) | 184,642 (7%) | 2,733,831 | 93.25% |
| 2000 | November 7, 2000 | 8 | Drug-Dependency Treatment and Drug-Crime Fines and Forfeitures | Initiative Petition for a Law | Not Adopted | 1,215,806 (44%) | 1,329,899 (49%) | 188,126 (7%) | 2,733,831 | 93.12% |
| 2002 | November 5, 2002 | 1 | Eliminating State Personal Income Tax | Initiative Petition for a Law | Not Adopted | 885,683 (40%) | 1,070,668 (48%) | 263,950 (12%) | 2,220,301 | 88.11% |
| 2002 | November 5, 2002 | 2 | English Language Education in Public Schools | Initiative Petition for a Law | Adopted | 1,359,935 (61%) | 640,525 (29%) | 219,841 (10%) | 2,220,301 | 90.10% |
| 2002 | November 5, 2002 | 3 | Taxpayer Funding for Political Campaigns | Legislative Advisory Question | N/A | 517,285 (23%) | 1,462,435 (66%) | 240,581 (11%) | 2,220,301 | 89.17% |
| 2006 | November 7, 2006 | 1 | Sale of Wine by Food Stores | Initiative Petition for a Law | Not Adopted | 917,467 (41%) | 1,185,714 (53%) | 140,654 (6%) | 2,243,835 | 94% |
| 2006 | November 7, 2006 | 2 | Multi-Party Candidates Initiative | Initiative Petition for a Law | Not Adopted | 688,259 (31%) | 1,302,199 (58%) | 253,377 (11%) | 2,243,835 | 89% |
| 2006 | November 7, 2006 | 3 | Family Child Care Providers | Initiative Petition for a Law | Not Adopted | 951,517 (42%) | 1,042,253 (46%) | 250,065 (11%) | 2,243,835 | 89% |
| 2008 | November 4, 2008 | 1 | Eliminate the state income tax | Initiative Petition for a Law | Not Adopted | 914,420 (29%) | 2,070,699 (67%) | 117,876 (4%) | 3,102,995 | 96% |
| 2008 | November 4, 2008 | 2 | Possession of Marijuana | Initiative Petition for a Law | Adopted | 1,949,704 (63%) | 1,038,523 (33%) | 114,768 (4%) | 3,102,995 | 96% |
| 2008 | November 4, 2008 | 3 | Dog Racing | Initiative Petition for a Law | Adopted | 1,662,352 (54%) | 1,303,708 (42%) | 1,303,708 (4%) | 3,102,995 | 96% |
| 2010 | November 2, 2010 | 1 | Sales Tax on Alcoholic Beverages | Initiative Petition for a Law | Adopted | 1,147,374 (49%) | 1,061,406 (46%) | 111,183 (5%) | 2,319,963 | 95% |
| 2010 | November 2, 2010 | 2 | Comprehensive Permits for Low-or-Moderate-Income Housing | Initiative Petition for a Law | Not Adopted | 900,405 (39%) | 1,254,795 (54%) | 164,799 (7%) | 2,319,963 | 93% |
| 2010 | November 2, 2010 | 3 | Sales and Use Tax Rates | Initiative Petition for a Law | Not Adopted | 966,973 (42%) | 1,271,532 (55%) | 81,458 (4%) | 2,319,963 | 97% |
| 2012 | November 6, 2012 | 1 | Availability of Motor Vehicle Repair Information | Initiative Petition for a Law | Adopted | 2,353,603 (74%) | 392,562 (12%) | 438,031 (14%) | 3,184,196 | 86% |
| 2012 | November 6, 2012 | 2 | Prescribing Medication to End Life | Initiative Petition for a Law | Not Adopted | 1,466,866 (46%) | 1,534,757 (48%) | 182,573 (6%) | 3,184,196 | 94% |
| 2012 | November 6, 2012 | 3 | Medical Use of Marijuana | Initiative Petition for a Law | Adopted | 1,914,747 (60%) | 1,108,904 (35%) | 160,545 (5%) | 3,184,196 | 95% |
| 2014 | November 4, 2014 | 1 | Eliminating Gas Tax Indexing | Initiative Petition for a Law | Adopted | 1,095,229 (50%) | 972,271 (44%) | 119,291 (6%) | 2,186,789 | 95% |
| 2014 | November 4, 2014 | 2 | Expanding the Beverage Container Deposit Law | Initiative Petition for a Law | Not Adopted | 564,381 (26%) | 1,561,591 (71%) | 60,819 (3%) | 2,186,789 | 97% |
| 2014 | November 4, 2014 | 3 | Expanding Prohibitions on Gaming | Initiative Petition for a Law | Not Adopted | 845,880 (39%) | 1,271,404 (58%) | 69,507 (3%) | 2,186,789 | 97% |
| 2014 | November 4, 2014 | 4 | Earned Sick Time for Employees | Initiative Petition for a Law | Adopted | 1,256,941 (57%) | 859,621 (39%) | 70,329 (4%) | 2,186,789 | 97% |
| 2016 | November 8, 2016 | 1 | Expanding Slot-Machine Gaming | Initiative Petition for a Law | Not Adopted | 1,240,877 (37%) | 1,919,893 (57%) | 218,031 (6%) | 3,378,801 | 94% |
| 2016 | November 8, 2016 | 2 | Charter School Expansion | Initiative Petition for a Law | Not Adopted | 1,243,665 (37%) | 2,025,840 (60%) | 109,296 (3%) | 3,378,801 | 97% |
| 2016 | November 8, 2016 | 3 | Conditions for Farm Animals | Initiative Petition for a Law | Adopted | 2,530,143 (75%) | 728,654 (22%) | 120,004 (3%) | 3,378,801 | 96% |
| 2016 | November 8, 2016 | 4 | Legalization, Regulation, and Taxation of Marijuana | Initiative Petition for a Law | Adopted | 1,769,328 (52%) | 1,528,219 (45%) | 81,254 (3%) | 3,378,801 | 98% |
| 2018 | November 6, 2018 | 1 | Patient-to-Nurse Limits | Initiative Petition for a Law | Not Adopted | 787,511 (29%) | 1,858,483 (68%) | 106,671 (4%) | 2,752,665 | 96% |
| 2018 | November 6, 2018 | 2 | Commission on Limiting Election Spending and Corporate Rights | Initiative Petition for a Law | Adopted | 1,871,989 (68%) | 751,447 (27%) | 129,229 (5%) | 2,752,665 | 95% |
| 2018 | November 6, 2018 | 3 | Transgender Anti-Discrimination | Referendum on an Existing Law | Not Repealed | 1,806,742 (66%) | 857,401 (31%) | 88,522 (3%) | 2,752,665 | 97% |
| 2020 | November 3, 2020 | 1 | Motor Vehicle Mechanical Data | Initiative Petition for a Law | Adopted | 2,599,182 (71%) | 867,674 (24%) | 191,149 (5%) | 3,658,005 | 95% |
| 2020 | November 3, 2020 | 2 | Ranked-Choice Voting | Initiative Petition for a Law | Not Adopted | 1,549,919 (43%) | 1,877,447 (51%) | 230,639 (6%) | 3,658,005 | 94% |
| 2022 | November 8, 2022 | 1 | Additional Tax on Income Over One Million | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Ratified | 1,267,132 (51%) | 1,158,225 (46%) | 86,104 (3%) | 2,511,461 | 97% |
| 2022 | November 8, 2022 | 2 | Regulation of Dental Insurance | Initiative Petition for a Law | Adopted | 1,720,406 (69%) | 681,703 (37%) | 109,352 (4%) | 2,511,461 | 96% |
| 2022 | November 8, 2022 | 3 | Expanded Availability of Licenses for the Sale of Alcoholic Beverages | Initiative Petition for a Law | Not Adopted | 1,070,761 (43%) | 1,314,972 (52%) | 125,728 (5%) | 2,511,461 | 95% |
| 2022 | November 8, 2022 | 4 | Eligibility for Driver’s Licenses | Referendum on an Existing Law | Not Repealed | 1,299,960 (52%) | 1,110,386 (44%) | 101,115 (4%) | 2,511,461 | 96% |
| 2024 | November 5, 2024 | 1 | State Auditor’s Authority to Audit the Legislature | Initiative Petition for a Law | Adopted | 2,326,911 (66%) | 924,289 (26%) | 261,730 (8%) | 3,512,930 | 92% |
| 2024 | November 5, 2024 | 2 | Elimination of MCAS as High School Graduation Requirement | Initiative Petition for a Law | Adopted | 2,004,196 (57%) | 1,388,553 (39%) | 120,181 (34%) | 3,512,930 | 97% |
| 2024 | November 5, 2024 | 3 | Unionization for Transportation Network Drivers | Initiative Petition for a Law | Adopted | 1,771,750 (50%) | 1,504,674 (43%) | 236,506 (7%) | 3,512,930 | 93% |
| 2024 | November 5, 2024 | 4 | Limited Legalization and Regulation of Certain Natural Psychedelic Substances | Initiative Petition for a Law | Not Adopted | 1,444,797 (41%) | 1,902,513 (54%) | 165,620 (5%) | 3,512,930 | 95% |
| 2024 | November 5, 2024 | 5 | Minimum Wage for Tipped Workers | Initiative Petition for a Law | Not Adopted | 1,200,966 (34%) | 2,147,233 (61%) | 164,731 (5%) | 3,512,930 | 95% |