What you need to know about Massachusetts ballot question 5 Claire Overton — WWLP

We are exactly two weeks from election day, but early voting is already underway, and mail-in ballots are also being received.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – We are exactly two weeks from election day, but early voting is already underway, and mail-in ballots are also being received.

Question 5 on the ballot impacts the service industry and a proposed minimum wage for tipped workers. A yes vote would increase the minimum hourly wage an employer must pay a tipped worker to the full state minimum wage over five years. Tips could be pooled and distributed to all non-management workers. A no vote on question 5 would mean that nothing would change with the current system.

One server in Springfield is opposed to the possible legislation.

“If this passes, our owners would probably have us earning less and pooling with other employees in the back of the house and the front of the house. I already earn way over minimum wage right now and to go back to the minimum wage rate after five years will just put a setback in my salary,” said Carmela Malafronte, a server at The Student Prince.

Supporters of ballot question 5 say a minimum wage for tipped workers would create greater financial stability, reduce employee turnover, and improve service quality. 

Early voting is occurring right now across the state and you can also still request your mail-in ballot.

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