This is the first of two articles that cover the ballot questions in this year's upcoming election. This article is an overview of the process. It will be followed by a summary of this year's ballot measures.

 

In addition to the contests between candidates and the battle for control among political parties, Massachusetts voters will also be deciding on nine ballot questions in November, the highest number since 1994.

 

While ballot questions may not have the personal drama of candidate races or ideological ramifications of partisan wars, they often have an impact on laws and other government policies and actions.

 

This year's Massachusetts ballot measures include questions that will significantly affect the state's gun-control laws, the legal status of recreational cannabis products, and the basic structure of the state's future elections, among others.

 

Before summarizing the specific questions on this year's ballot, it is useful to look at the larger context and role of ballot measures.

 

In a broad sense, ballot measures are a form of direct democracy within our system.

 

The Massachusetts official Guide to Statewide Ballot Question Petitions defines the three basic types of ballot questions.