Massachusetts voters decide on housing zoning and gun safety laws

Massachusetts voters have addressed two major policy measures via ballot questions. Regarding Question 9, voters approved the measure to maintain a 2024 gun safety law, rejecting a repeal attempt by gun rights advocates. The law includes regulations on firearm licensing, training, and data collection, as well as bans on guns at polling places and in government buildings. It also expanded red flag law petitions to include healthcare workers and school administrators, broadened the definition of assault-style firearms, and implemented requirements for untraceable ghost guns.

On the housing front, the results for Question 7, which seeks to legalize starter home zoning on lots as small as 5,000 square feet with municipal water and sewer service, remain too close to call. With over 49 percent of the vote counted, supporters held a narrow lead of 50.8 percent to 49.2 percent. While supporters saw wins in several suburban towns, the measure faced rejections in suburbs such as Wellesley, Winchester, and Lexington.