Question 1

While the presidential race looms large in many voters’ awareness, Massachusetts voters heading to the polls next Tuesday will have the opportunity to weigh in on five ballot questions that could enact new laws in the Bay State.

This year, there will be a question on the November ballot that would change how the city budget is created. It would allow the city council to change budget items by a majority vote and create an Office of Participatory Budgeting to allow people to vote on certain budget items. More of us would get a say in how we spend our city’s money.

The momentum around this year’s mayoral election comes in part due to anticipation in the neighborhoods that new and diverse leadership will not only continue Boston’s strong growth, but also will ensure that all neighborhoods continue to share in that growth. A roadblock to that positive growth and continued change is in the Question 1 budgeting initiative hiding on the Nov. 2 ballot.