Massachusetts Question 1, Real Property Classification for Taxation Amendment (1970)
| Massachusetts Question 1 | |
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| Election date |
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| Topic Property taxes |
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| Status |
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| Type Legislatively referred constitutional amendment |
Origin |
Massachusetts Question 1 was on the ballot as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment in Massachusetts on November 3, 1970. It was defeated.
A “yes” vote supported allowing the legislature to classify real property by use, set different tax rates for each class, and grant exemptions and abatements. |
A “no” vote opposed allowing the legislature to classify real property by use, set different tax rates for each class, and grant exemptions and abatements. |
Election results
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Massachusetts Question 1 |
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| Result | Votes | Percentage | ||
| Yes | 556,020 | 35.55% | ||
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1,008,168 | 64.45% | ||
Text of measure
Ballot title
The ballot title for Question 1 was as follows:
| “ | Do you approve of the adoption of an amendment to the Constitution summarized below, which was approved by the General Court in a joint session of the two branches held July 15, 1968, received 155 votes in the affirmative and 98 in the negative and in a joint session of the two branches held May 14, 1969, received 147 votes in the affirmative and 119 in the negative? | ” |
Ballot summary
The ballot summary for this measure was:
| “ | The proposed amendment to the Constitution authorizes the Legislature to classify real property according to uses, and authorizes the assessment, rating and taxation of real property at different rates in the different classes so established, but proportionately in the same class. The amendment further authorizes the granting of reasonable exemptions and abatements. | ” |
Path to the ballot
- See also: Amending the Massachusetts Constitution
A simple majority vote is required during two successive joint legislative sessions for the Massachusetts State Legislature to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot. That amounts to a minimum of 101 votes in the joint session of the state legislature, assuming no vacancies. Amendments do not require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot.
See also
External links
- William Francis Galvin Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, "Massachusetts Statewide Ballot Measures: 1919-Present"
- The Boston Globe, "CITY OF BOSTON STATE ELECTION," October 23, 1970
Footnotes
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