Massachusetts Voters Guide

Information from www.sec.state.ma.us

WHERE TO VOTE

If you are voting in Massachusetts polling places are located in each precinct in your city or town. You can call 1-800-462-VOTE (8683) or 617-727-2828 or go to www.wheredoivotema.com to find where your polling place is located.

The Smith Democrats and Smith Republicans will be running shuttles to the polls on Election Day from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. leaving every 15 minutes from in front of John M. Greene Hall.

STATE ELECTION CANDIDATES

State Senator -
John F. Kerry, Democratic, Candidate for Re-election
Jeffrey K. Beatty, Harwich, Republican
Robert J. Underwood, Libertarian


Representative in Congress -
First District
John W. Oliver, Democratic, Candidate for Re-election
Nathan A. Bech, Republican

Fourth District
Barney Frank, Democratic, Candidate for Re-election
Earl Henry Sholley, 8 Lakeshore Dr., Norfolk, Republican
Susan Allen, Independent

Sixth District
John F. Tierney, Democratic, Candidate for Re-election
Richard A. Baker, Republican

Seventh District
Edward J. Markey, Democratic, Candidate for Re-election
John Cunningham, Republican

STATEWIDE BALLOT QUESTIONS

Question 1 - State Personal Income Tax

Voting YES would reduce the state personal income tax rate to 2.65% for the tax year beginning on January 1, 2009, and would eliminate the tax for all tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2010.

Voting NO would make no change in state income tax laws.

Question 2 - Possession of Marijuana

Voting YES would replace the criminal penalties for possession of one ounce or less of marijuana with a new system of civil penalties in which offenders age 18 or older would be subject to forfeiture of the marijuana plus a civil penalty of $100. Offenders under the age of 18 would be subject to the same forfeiture and, if they complete a drug awareness program within one year of the offense, the same $100 penalty.

Voting NO would make no change in state criminal laws concerning possession of marijuana.

Question 3 - Dog Racing

Voting YES would prohibit dog races on which betting or wagering occurs, effective January 1, 2010.

Voting NO would make no change in the laws governing dog racing.