By Carol Britton Meyer

The ballot for the November 5 presidential election will feature five questions proposing new legislation for voters to decide, in addition to the candidates for president, vice president, U.S. Senator and U.S. Representative, as well as state Legislators and county officers. Early in-person voting will take place for a two-week period, beginning on October 19, at town hall.

These five initiatives include whether…

⦁ The state auditor should be granted the authority to audit the legislature (Question 1);

⦁ The state should eliminate Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) exams as a high school graduation requirement (Question 2);

⦁ Drivers for transportation networks such as Uber and Lyft that use digital means to connect riders to drivers for pre-arranged transportation should have the right to unionize (Question 3); and

⦁ Tipped workers in Massachusetts should be paid the traditional minimum wage (Question 5).

Question 4 on the November ballot would allow the legalization and regulation of certain natural psychedelic substances. The proposed law would allow individuals aged 21 and older to grow, possess, and use certain substances, including two found in mushrooms and three found in plants. If the proposed law passes, these substances could be purchased at an approved location for use under the supervision of a licensed facilitator. The proposed law would otherwise prohibit any retail sale of natural psychedelic substances and also provide for their regulation and taxation.

Click here for a sample ballot and other information on the November 5 election

The red Massachusetts Information for Voters booklet that was recently mailed to Hull and other households statewide provides summaries of the questions and statements describing the effect of a “yes” and a “no” vote for each, prepared by the state attorney general/the Secretary of the Commonwealth as required by law, as well as arguments for both sides provided by proponents and opponents of each question, reflecting their opinions. The full text of the Red Book can be found by clicking here.

The results of “yes” and “no” votes on the questions would have these results:

⦁ Question 1: A yes vote would specify that the state auditor has the authority to audit the state Legislature, while a no vote would make no change in the current law.

⦁ Question 2: A yes vote would eliminate the requirement that students pass the MCAS exam in order to graduate from high school, but would still require them to complete coursework that meets state standards. A no vote would make no change to the current law.

⦁ Question 3: A yes vote would provide ride-hailing company drivers the option to form unions to collectively bargain with transportation network companies regarding wages, benefits, and terms and conditions of work. A no vote would make no change in the law relative to their ability to form unions.

⦁ Question 4: A yes vote would allow individuals 21 and older to use certain natural psychedelic substances under licensed supervision and to grow and possess limited quantities of those substances in their home while also creating a commission to regulate them. Some proponents say that research conducted by leading medical institutions shows that psychedelic medicines can be effective treatments for depression and anxiety. A no vote would make no change in the law regarding natural psychedelic substances. Some opponents of this proposed law cite numerous potential health- and medical-related impacts and other concerns to support their position.

⦁ Question 5: A yes vote would increase the minimum hourly wage an employer must pay a tipped worker to the full state minimum wage implemented over five years, at which point, employers could pool all tips and distribute them to all non-management workers. A no vote would make no change in the law governing tip pooling or the minimum wage for tipped workers.

In-person voting for all precincts for the November 5 presidential election will take place at Hull High School, 180 Main St., from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. that day.

In-person early voting hours will be held at town hall, 253 Atlantic Ave.

Week one

⦁ Saturday, October 19: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

⦁ Monday, October 21: 9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

⦁ Tuesday, October 22: 9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

⦁ Wednesday, October 23: 9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

⦁ Thursday, October 24: 9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Week two

• Saturday, October 26: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

• Monday, October 28: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

• Tuesday, October 29: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

• Wednesday, October 30: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

• Thursday, October 31: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

• Friday, November 1: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

For full election and voter information, including a sample ballot, how to request a vote by mail application, online voter registration, a Hull voter precinct map, and absentee ballot application, visit www.town.hull.ma.us/town-clerk.

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