Mass. Split on Referenda, Favoring Vehicle Repair Measure and Snubbing Ranked-Choice Voting

Seventy-five percent of Massachusetts voters voted to adopt a new “right-to-repair” law Tuesday, but roughly 55 percent of voters opposed a law that would implement a ranked-choice voting system in state elections.

The right-to-repair measure will allow vehicle owners to permit independent repair facilities to retrieve mechanical data from vehicles. Those repair shops can then send commands to vehicles for diagnostic testing, maintenance, and repair. Manufacturers of vehicles with telematics systems will now be mandated to install standardized open data platforms on vehicles sold in Massachusetts, starting with the model year 2022.

The law will also require dealers to provide prospective vehicle owners with a notice explaining the new mandates.

Proponents of the measure have argued it will allow drivers more leeway in choosing where get their cars repaired. Representatives from the Massachusetts Right to Repair could not immediately be reached for comment.

Conor Yunits, a spokesperson for the Coalition for Safe and Secure Data, a group formed in opposition to the ballot question, wrote in an emailed statement that the results of today’s vote “will only grant real time, two-way access” to vehicles and “increase risk.”

The “Yes on 2” campaign conceded after midnight on Wednesday, as voters snubbed a law that would have implemented a ranked-choice voting system for primary and general elections for all statewide offices, state legislative offices, and federal congressional offices beginning in 2022.

The measure boasted several prominent advocates on campus — Government professor Danielle S. Allen and former University President Lawrence H. Summers both served as honorary co-chairs of the “Yes on 2” campaign. Governor Charlie D. Baker ’79 and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito numbered among the few Massachusetts politicians to oppose the measure, issuing a joint statement last week.

Allen wrote in an emailed statement that she is proud of the “hard-fought” campaign and is hopeful about the future.

“This is just the beginning of a consistent and dedicated effort to innovate for the sake of more responsive, more empowering political institutions that deliver a foundation of flourishing for all,” she wrote.

Of the more than 2.7 million votes reported after midnight Wednesday, Massachusetts residents cast 54 percent in opposition to the measure.

Supporters of the referendum argued it would put “more power in the hands of voters,” while critics called the proposed system “confusing.”

The Associated Press had not yet reported a decisive winner in the ranked choice referendum as of early Wednesday morning.

—Staff writer Taylor C. Peterman can be reached at taylor.peterman@thecrimson.com. Follow her on Twitter @taylorcpeterman.