Voters to Decide Ballot Questions, Elect President
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When Massachusetts voters get their turn at the polls on Tuesday, they'll have to decide three ballot initiatives, the most important being whether to eliminate the income tax.
The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. To find the polling station in your area, click here.
Need a ride? Several organizations are offering rides to the polls for those in need.
Adams: The Adams Council on Aging is offering rides between the hours of 9 and 2 on Tuesday. Call 413-743-8333 between those hours today to schedule a ride.
North Adams: Call Berkshire Rides before 2 p.m. today to schedule a free ride. Contact Mandy at 413-664-0300 before 2 p.m.
Williamstown: The Council on Aging van will be making two trips beginning at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Tuesday. Residents must call van driver Kathy Vareschi in advance at the Harper Center at 458-8250.
Dress Appropriately
Residents are reminded not to wear any campaign paraphernalia — T-shirts, buttons, stickers, etc. — into the polling stations. It is against state law to "campaign" within 150 feet of a polling area.
On the Ballot
Question 1
The controversial Question 1 would eliminate the 5.3 percent state income tax over a two-year period.
Advocates say it's the only way to force state government to cut waste and that it will mean thousands more in citizens' pockets and spur job creation. They say it won't mean cuts in services or raises in property taxes because the budget is full of fat.
Opponents say the initiative will cut the budget by 40 percent and devastate local aid, education and social services. The savings for residents will be minimal, they say, because local governments will be forced to raise revenue through fees and property taxes.
State and local officials, the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce, Northern Berkshire United Way, and the boards of Berkshire Community College, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and Elder Services of Berkshire County are among those on record against the measure.
Voting yes will cut the state income tax to 2.65 percent the tax year beginning Jan. 1, 2009, and eliminate it the following year.
Voting no will not change the income tax.
Question 2
This measure would decriminalize the possession of small amounts of mariujuana and, instead, institute a system of civil fines.
Police would confiscate marijuana weighing an ounce or less and the possessor would face a fine of $100; those under 18 would also have to complete a drug awareness program. If they didn't complete one, they could face penalties up to $1,000. Their parents would also be informed. It wouldn't change penalties relating to driving under the influence.
Proponents say the measure would save up to $30 million in arrest costs and remove the threat of jail, loss of student loans and other sanctions. It would also end the creation of a permanent criminal record that creates obstacles to housing and employment. They say 11 other states have similar laws and have shown no increase in marijuana use.
Opponents say the law would endorse substance abuse and criminal activity by emboldening drug dealers. They say today's marijuana is far more potent than that of 30 years ago and is twice as carcinogenic as tobacco. It also is a primary factor in juvenile hospital admissions, and its users are 10 times more likely to be involved in automobile crashes. And since state law already requires judges to dismiss charges and seal records of first-time offenders, decriminalizing is not necessary to protect errant young people.
Berkshire County District Attorney David F. Capeless, the Massachusetts District Attorneys, Sheriffs and Police Chiefs associations, and many health care, education and local leaders oppose the measure.
Voting yes will decriminalize possession of marijuana weighing an ounce or less; it will not affect penalties related to drug dealing, DUI, manufacturing or other drug-related offenses.
Voting no means no change to the current criminal laws.
Question 3
This proposal would effectively end greyhound racing in Massachusetts and affect the last two dog tracks in the eastern end of the state.
It would prohibit any dog racing where bettering or wagering would occur and the Racing Commission from approving any racing date. Violations would mean civil penalties no less than $20,000. The change would take place effective Jan. 1, 2010.
Proponents say the measure would put an end to a cruel and inhumane sport that kills or injures hundreds of animals a year.
It is supported by the Massachusetts Society for the Protection of Animals, the Humane Society of the United States, the Republican of Springfield, major animal shelters and community leaders.
Opponents say dog racing is a tradition in the state for more than 70 years. The industry is well regulated and the dogs well cared for, they say, and given up for adoption when their racing days are done. Passage of the proposal would the loss of 1,000 jobs and millions in badly needed revenue for the state; it could also lead to lawsuits from the tracks for taking property.
State/Local Races
There are only two races on the Berkshire County ballot.
Democratic incumbent John W. Olver of Amherst is facing off against Republican challenger Nathan Bech of West Springfield to represent the 1st Massachusetts District in the U.S. House.
Democratic incumbent John Kerry of Boston is being challenged by Republican Jeff Beatty, a security expert, of Gloucester and and Libertarian candidate Robert J. Underwood, a computer analyst, of Springfield for the U.S. Senate.
Incumbent Democrat and attorney Thomas T. Merrigan of Greenfield is being challenged by Republican and veterans services officer Michael Franco of East Longmeadow for the 8th District seat on the Governor's Council, which advises on judicial appointments. The 8th District includes all of Berkshire County.
All other state officeholders are running unopposed.
President
Voters will choose to elect one of six (yes, six) presidential contenders on this year's ballot.
It's been pretty hard to avoid the candidates from the two major parties: U.S. Sens. Barack Obama of Illinois and John Biden of Delaware are on the Democratic ticket; U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona and Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska are on the Republican ticket.
Don't like either party? Well, in Massachusetts you can also cast a vote for:
Constitution Party: Chuck Baldwin, a Florida minister and talk show host, and Darrell Castle, a Tennessee attorney.
Green/Rainbow Party: Cynthia McKinney, former Georgia congressman, and Rosa Clemente, hip-hop activist and journalist.
Libertarian Party: Bob Barr, another former Georgia congressman, and Wayne Root, entrepreneur
Independent: Ralph Nader and Matt Gonzalez
