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: