Jamaica Plain voters will head to the polls Nov. 8 to help decide the Presidential contest, several local races, and five ballot questions.
In the Presidential contest, voters will have four choices: Democrat Hillary Clinton (Tim Kaine for Vice President), Republican Donald Trump (Mike Pence for Vice President), Libertarian Gary Johnson (Bill Weld for Vice President), and Green-Rainbow candidate Jill Stein (Ajuma Baraka for Vice President).
Also on the federal level, JP voters will help decide the race between Democrat U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch (8th District) and Republican William Burke.
Democrat U.S. Rep Mike Capuano (7th District) does not have a challenger. U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey do not have races this year.
At the state level, Liz Malia, the Democratic state representative for the 11th Suffolk District, faces fellow Jamaica Plain resident Stephen Charles Bedell (New Progressive Leadership) in her reelection bid.
Democratic state Reps. Jeffrey Sanchez (15th Suffolk District) and Russell Holmes (6th Suffolk District) and Democratic state Sens. Michael Rush (Norfolk and Suffolk District) and Sonia Chang-Diaz (2nd Suffolk District) all do not have an opponent in the election.
Democratic Suffolk County Sheriff Steven Tompkins, who beat back challenger Alexander Rhalimi during the primary election in September, will not have an opponent for the general election.
Stephen Murphy, Margherita Ciampa-Coyne, John Keith, and Joseph Donnelly, Jr. are battling in the Suffolk County register of deeds race.
There is also a local contested race for the Governor’s Council, which confirms judicial appointments, among other duties. Democrat Robert Jubinville, who currently holds the District 2 seat, is facing Republican Brad Williams. Democrat Christopher Iannella is running unopposed.
JP voters will help decide five ballot questions. Yes on:
Question 1 would allow the state Gaming Commission to issue an additional slots license;
Question 2 would authorize the approval of up to 12 new charter schools or enrollment expansions in existing charter schools every year;
Question 3 would prohibit certain methods of farm animal containment, and would ensure that certain livestock be raised in conditions which allow them to stand up, turn around, and extend their limbs;
Question 4 would legalize the possession and sale of marijuana;
Question 5, which will be on the ballot only for Boston, would accept the Community Preservation Act (CPA) for the city. The CPA has already passed in many other towns and cities in the state, and it would establish a dedicated funding source for affordable housing needs, parks, and preserving and restoring historic buildings. The funds would be collected as a tax from property owners based on their property value.
For more information, visit bit.ly/1tfUvKu.