Maine marijuana question first on November ballot

PORTLAND, Maine – Maine residents who vote “yes on 1” this November will legalize marijuana use and possession for those at least 21 years old.

The state has randomly ordered this fall’s ballot questions: following marijuana legalization is a new education tax, background checks for gun sales, a minimum wage increase and lastly a question allowing voters to rank chosen candidates.

The proposed 3 per cent tax on incomes above $200,000 would support K-12 public education.

A group tied to former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is spending millions to advocate for requiring background checks before individuals not licensed as firearms dealers can sell or transfer firearms, with some exceptions.

Voters will also consider raising the minimum hourly wage to $12 by 2020 and eventually having tipped employees make the same as hourly workers.