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Info on Municipal Ballot Questions

October 21, 2018

When you vote, please be sure you have two ballots–one for the state election and one for the special municipal election.  There are two questions on the special ballot regarding the number of marijuana outlets to be allowed in Newton.  We urge you to think of both questions as a pair. The questions are as follows, though we’re not sure in which order they will appear:

Questions What a ‘Yes’ Vote Means What a ‘No’ Vote Means
Shall the City of Newton adopt the following general ordinance: All recreational marijuana retail establishments shall be prohibited from operating in the City of Newton. A “YES” vote on this question would authorize the City Council to pass an ordinance banning any recreational marijuana retail stores from operating in Newton. A “NO” vote would leave the current law in place, that is, the Newton City Council may limit the number of recreational marijuana retail stores in Newton to no fewer than twenty per cent (20%) of Newton’s retail liquor store licenses, or eight (8) stores.
Shall the City of Newton adopt the following zoning ordinance: The number of recreational marijuana retail establishments allowed to operate shall be not fewer than two (2) nor more than four (4) establishments set by a general ordinance adopted by the City Council. A “YES” vote on this question would authorize the City Council to pass an ordinance limiting the allowed number of recreational marijuana retail stores to fewer than the otherwise required minimum of eight (8): specifically, between two (2) and four (4) recreational marijuana retail stores. The exact number of retail stores allowed to open within this range would be determined by a separate ordinance enacted by the City Council. A “NO” vote would leave the current law in place, that is, the Newton City Council may limit the number of recreational marijuana retail stores in Newton to no fewer than twenty percent (20%) of Newton’s retail liquor store licenses, or eight (8) stores.

There are three groups advocating for or against the ballot questions, though not all have websites. ‘Opt Out Newton’ is advocating for a yes vote on the total ban and a no vote on the limited number of retail outlets.  ‘Responsible First Step Newton’ is advocating for a no vote on the total ban and a yes vote on the limited number of retail outlets.  ‘Respect the Vote’ is advocating for a no vote on both.

For more on the issue, click on these links:

  • City of Newton information sheet on special election
  • Newton TAB article on LWVN Meeting
  • LWVN Topic Meeting October 2018–Marijuana Questions

Categories: City of Newton Info, Elections, VOTE - Voters Service

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Cover for League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
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League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

The League registers voters and educates them about the important issues and challenges facing Newto

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA updated their cover photo.

1 month ago

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
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League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

1 month ago

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
Newton voters now have the option to vote early by mail in all elections, with no excuse required! All registered voters in Newton should have received their official 2023 Vote by Mail Application this week, in plenty of time to Vote by Mail in the Newton Special Election on the override proposal. Full details of how to vote by mail are here: www.newtonma.gov/government/elections/absentee-voting ... See MoreSee Less

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League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

2 months ago

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
Join us for a conversation with Congressman Jake Auchincloss of the MA 4th District on Wednesday, Feb 15 at 7:30pm!Learn more at lwvnewton.org/event/congressmanauchincloss-feb2023/Register at bit.ly/talk-with-jake ... See MoreSee Less

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League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

2 months ago

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
LWVN is again offering two scholarships to high school seniors in Newton! We are pleased to have increased our scholarship award for the class of 2023 to $2,000 each!Learn more at lwvnewton.org/lwvn-scholarship-program/Candidates should apply online at bit.ly/LWVNAPPLY23 Deadline extended to March 31, 2023! ... See MoreSee Less

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League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

5 months ago

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
Election Day is one week away! Not sure what's on the ballot or how to vote in the midterm elections? Get your election questions answered at www.vote411.org and watch forums on the 4 Massachusetts ballot questions at lwvma.org/ballot-question-forums/ ... See MoreSee Less

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The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization encouraging the informed and active participation of citizens in government. It influences public policy through education and advocacy.

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