Recreational cannabis to stay legal; public records law to expand in Mass., AP calls

Key Points:

• Massachusetts voters rejected Question 8, keeping recreational cannabis legal and preserving an industry that employs tens of thousands and has generated about $2 billion in tax revenue since legalization.
• Question 9, which aimed to uphold the state's 2022 gun control laws including restrictions on 3-D printed guns and weapon modifications, was leading with strong support, signaling voters' approval of maintaining these regulations.
• Question 1, expanding public records access to include the governor’s office and state Legislature, was projected to pass with over 80% voter support, marking a significant move toward government transparency in Massachusetts.
• Supporters of Question 3, proposing an all-party primary system, conceded defeat as voters rejected the measure, preserving the existing party-based primary elections and rejecting concerns about increased influence of money in politics.
• Question 6, establishing the “Nature for All Fund” by allocating a portion of sales tax on recreation gear and golf spending for conservation, was leading with over 60% support, indicating strong public backing for dedicated environmental funding.
• Question 2, allowing Massachusetts public defenders to unionize and collectively bargain, was projected to pass with more than 60% of the vote, addressing recruitment and retention challenges in the public defense system.