Massachusetts Voters Are Likely To Reject Charter School Expansion
In addition to a measure seeking to legalize recreational marijuana, Massachusetts voters also face another highly controversial ballot initiative: expanding the number of charter schools. If approved, Question 2 would lift the state’s cap to allow up to 12 new charter schools. Polls taken earlier this year found that a majority of the Bay State was backing charter expansion: a February poll by UMass Amherst showed 51 percent were in favor, as did a Western New England University poll in April.
However, by this fall, sentiment has shifted noticeably toward the “No” campaign. Four polls taken since September — two by WBUR, in addition to ones by WNE and Suffolk University — have shown, on average, 46 percent of likely voters are opposed and 42 percent are supportive (with 11 percent undecided).
Charter schools are incredibly contentious in the state. Supporters and opponents of question 2 have raised nearly $27 million for the contest — more than five times the amount spent on the marijuana legalization initiative. The state’s popular Republican governor, Charlie Baker, has been a big backer of the “Yes” side, while the Democratic brass has resolutely for “No” — Sen. Elizabeth Warren, in particular.