On November 8, polling places in precincts across Massachusetts will open for election day, opening the way for eligible voters to cast their ballots. This election includes many elected state positions, such as Governor, Attorney General, and Treasurer. Voters will not only vote on positions, but also on four ballot questions posed directly to the public.

The first of the four is listed on the Secretary of State’s website as an “Additional Tax on Income Over One Million Dollars.” This is a constitutional amendment, which would impose a 4% tax on all annual income “in excess of” one million dollars. The first million dollars someone makes in a year would go untouched by this change. The income level that this proposal affects would also be adjusted annually based on costs of living.

The full text of the proposal communicates that this revenue would be exclusively used “to provide the resources for quality public education and affordable public colleges and universities, and for the repair and maintenance of roads, bridges and public transportation.”

Why would you want to vote “Yes” on question 1?

Assuming you are a student here at Fitchburg State University, this question directly impacts you. Depending on how this extra revenue would be used, a Yes vote could make your life much easier. The university could potentially see a drop in costs of attendance, or it could go towards a renovation of an older building such as Conlon Hall. I’d be excited to see our elevators get much less intimidating.

Why would you want to vote “No” on question 1?

You may think that the university is fine the way it is and doesn’t need extra funding. You might be sympathetic to certain well-intentioned millionaires that this proposal would tax, maybe your parents are millionaires. You could hold a belief that taxation in general is akin to theft, even. Opinions from both camps are available on the Secretary of State’s website.

How do I register to vote?

You must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of Massachusetts, at least 16 years old, and not currently incarcerated. You can register to vote online at www.RegisterToVoteMA.com if you have a driver’s license or state ID. You can register by mail, having a registration form sent to you by calling 1-800-462-8683. You may also register in person at your local election office. If you are not registered, and you’d like to vote in this election, you have until October 29.

How do I vote?

You can vote in-person at your precinct’s polling station on November 8 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.. To find your precinct, you can go to www.WhereDoIVoteMA.com. You may also vote earlier than this, though the specific locations and schedules are decided by your city or /town. Voting by mail is another option, though you must apply by going to www.VoteInMA.com and clicking “Apply to Vote by Mail.” From there, you will wait for your ballot to arrive, and mail it back out when you complete it.