Massachusetts Secretary of State William F. Galvin on Thursday released the order that five statewide measures will appear on the ballot in November.
The five ballot questions are the most since 2000, when voters had eight to consider. The numbers are assigned at the discretion of the secretary of state’s office.
“Numbers are typically assigned in a manner that will ensure the best possible ballot layout, given the length of the question summaries,” Galvin’s office said in a statement.
Here is a quick summary of the questions voters will decide in November.
Question 1: State Auditor’s Authority to Audit the Legislature
This proposal would give the state auditor authority to audit the Legislature. The measure has faced stiff opposition from lawmakers who say it would violate the constitutional separation of powers and that auditor Diana DiZoglio has a “clear prejudice.” DiZoglio is a former lawmaker who campaigned on investigating the Legislature’s.
Question 2: Elimination of MCAS as High School Graduation Requirement
Students would no longer be required to pass MCAS tests in mathematics, English, and science and technology to receive a high school diploma. The measure has been pushed by the Massachusetts Teachers Association, but legislative leaders and Governor Maura Healey have come out against it.
Question 3: Unionization for Transportation Network Drivers
This initiative would allow ride-share drivers to form unions and collectively bargain with Uber, Lyft, and similar companies. A coalition backed by ride-share companies had pushed a proposal to classify drivers as independent contractors, but the companies reached a settlement with the state in June that would grant employment benefits and rights for drivers while requiring the companies to pay $175 million in penalties and back pay.
Question 4: Limited Legalization and Regulation of Certain Natural Psychedelic Substances
This measure would legalize the possession and supervised use of natural psychedelics, including psilocybin mushrooms.
Question 5: Minimum Wage for Tipped Workers
This proposal would gradually increase the minimum wage for tipped workers over five years, matching the state’s standard minimum wage in 2029. This measure has faced pushback by the head of the Massachusetts Restaurant Association.
Nick Stoico can be reached at nick.stoico@globe.com.
