Photos by Massachusetts Voter Table

Dear Maria,

Tuesday, November 5th, is fast approaching. It’s time we embrace the reality that most of the population's power lies in showing up to the polls and voting. But ours goes beyond.

There’s an estimated 10,000 vote gap in swing states for the presidential elections, and our community groups are working tirelessly to close that gap. But the super voter that you are, you probably already knew this. I bet you’ve been eyeing those swing states. And I have a hunch you may have already made some contributions.  

But before you get distracted by some sparkly red slippers and wander too far down that yellow brick road, I want you to remember there’s no place like home. 

Yes, we are a beautiful, Blue state. But do you ever wonder what happens when our elected officials can’t get the job done? If our elected officials can’t make policy changes on the issues that matter most to us, we will do so by passing ballot measures.  

But they do not walk alone; there’s a reason we emphasize the importance of our political candidates being community-chosen and community-backed. It’s not so we can pat ourselves on the back and call ourselves progressive. We know that no matter the party line you stand on, it takes strategy to make things happen. We know that our democracy champions inside Beacon Hill need democracy champions outside. They need the grassroots organizations that got them there in the first place to make noise, take action, and raise hell to help them overcome political gridlock.

Here in Massachusetts, ballot initiatives aren’t just another safeguard against an increasingly conservative Supreme Court but an essential vessel for democratic change that can, at times, be more representative of community voices than elected officials. It’s a chance for voters to directly engage in policy changes that impact their everyday lives. I wish I could say ‘without using a middleman,’ but sadly, despite being one of 21 states that allow constituents to initiate ballot measures, Massachusetts doesn’t restrict lawmakers from repealing or amending them. And we hear that some of our lawmakers plan to dissent from community wishes. 

We can’t let this be another tactic to exacerbate our communities’ mistrust and disbelief in government effectiveness. It’s not just about getting the job done. It’s also about transparency. Voting YES on question 1 would be sunshine on the private practices of our elected officials, allowing us to better understand what kinds of checks and balances systems need to be fostered to ensure our public servants have a responsive, inclusive, and functional environment. 

Speaking of assessments, I’m excited to vote YES on question 2. As a former high school biology teacher, I believe that MCAS should be used to critique the school, provide more learning, and not drag our youth down. 

And I’m excited to share this 2024 MA Ballot Question Voter Guide by the Massachusetts Voter Table, informed by 34 Democracy HUBS community organizations with boots on the ground across Massachusetts. These groups ensure communities are prepared to cast a presidential vote but also understand the direct impact of ballot questions on their daily lives. Let’s face it: neither the federal minimum wage nor our state’s minimum wage comes close to resolving the everyday real-life struggle for basic survival that the 99 percent face. And that’s what questions 3 and 5 are about: human decency and human basic needs. 

I’m inviting you to measure the weight of your ballot votes as you would your candidate vote. And to invest just as much money into community groups as political candidates, if not DOUBLE. Let's play the long game. 

After November 5th, we will work to bring our dreams to life or fight to keep them alive. We count on these long-standing, long-fighting groups, which will outlast many candidates. 

In Solidarity, 

Maria Jobin-Leeds