A coalition successfully convinced voters to eliminate the MCAS graduation requirement, spending over $8 per vote during the state election. The most expensive of the five ballot questions, the Committee for High Standards, Not High Stakes, mainly funded by the Massachusetts Teachers Association, spent almost $1 million and $15.6 million in in-kind contributions. The group defeated the business-backed opposition, led by Michael Bloomberg, and marked another successful campaign by the teacher’s union.
On the flip side, the group Protect Our Kids’ Future, opposed to the MCAS question, spent $5.3 million but lost with over 59% of voters in favor of the change, showcasing the success of well-funded campaigns. The Coalition for Safe Communities, which opposed decriminalizing psychedelics, got the most value for money spending only 7 cents per vote. In contrast, Massachusetts for Mental Health Options spent $7.7 million unsuccessfully trying to sway voters.
State Auditor Diana DiZoglio’s campaign to investigate the Legislature was successful, costing an average of 18 cents per vote in support. She is now in a conflict with Beacon Hill Democrats over the audit. The committee behind the successful rideshare drivers’ unionization ballot question spent $7.3 million, while the group opposing minimum wage reform for tipped workers spent $1.17 per vote. Overall, the five ballot questions cost over $25 million, significantly less than the record $65 million spent in 2022 for four questions on various issues.
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