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Live updates: Here’s how readers are reacting to 2024 election results

We're sharing the best photos, videos, and reactions surrounding the 2024 election results.

Question 2 was passed on Wednesday, which means high schoolers in Massachusetts will no longer need to pass the MCAS to graduate. Shelby Knowles/Bloomberg

Election results are in. As voters see the results of the presidential race and the five Mass. ballot questions, many have shared how they’re feeling in Boston.com polls and on social media. Below, see a roundup of the best reactions.

Use the links below to find the latest reactions to 2024 election results.

Readers react to the 2024 election results

Do you agree with the Mass. state ballot results?: Question 1 | Question 2 | Question 3 | Question 4 | Question 5

Presidential election: How do you feel about Donald Trump’s victory?

How are you feeling while we wait for election results? (Tues., Nov. 5)


Follow below for regular updates on reactions to 2024 election results. Responses have been lightly edited for grammar and clarity.

Do you agree with the Mass. state ballot results?

Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2:30 p.m.

Massachusetts Auditor Diana DiZoglio. – AP Photo/Mary Schwalm, File

Do you agree with the results of Question 1?

Question 1 officially passed on Wednesday, allowing the State Auditor to audit the state Legislature. 

Do you agree with the results of Question 1?
Yes, I agree
82%
129
No, I disagree
15%
23
I'm neutral
4%
6

Yes, I agree

“The legislature is no different than any other elected body and must be held accountable and responsible to the voters. And being exempt from the public records law is unacceptable. What are they afraid of?” – Jon A., Plymouth

“Our legislature does way too much in secrecy. I believe an audit will give us the information we need to rid us of the incompetent and unlawful ones.” – Susan B., Hudson

No, I disagree

“It violates the separation of powers clearly stated in the MA Constitution.” – William, Norton

“This looks great on paper but will probably become a problem when auditors disagree politically with something. This isn’t just about monitoring where the politicians spend money. They’ll now have the power to make requests that slow down something they personally disagree with. Sooner or later it’s going to become a problem.” – Chuck, Arlington

Yes on 2: MCAS will no longer be high school graduation requirement.

Do you agree with the results of Question 2?

Question 2 was passed on Wednesday, which means high schoolers in Massachusetts will no longer need to pass the MCAS to graduate.

Do you agree with the results of Question 2?
Yes, I agree
48%
58
No, I disagree
52%
63
I'm neutral
1%
1

No, I disagree

“I want our youth to graduate high school well prepared to succeed in adulthood. Being able to pass an exam administered at the 10th grade level does not seem to me to be a overly rigorous standard to pass for a diploma. And now without a state-wide standard we will probably see school districts with more inequality in what education they provide students, who will carry that education into the world after high school.” – Richard, Dorchester

“Teachers and students need accountability.” – Darius R., Sharon

Yes, I agree

“For special needs kids this opens the door to many options. Teachers can focus on what kids need to learn and their actual deficits than spending time teaching grade curriculum.” – Jayashree, Lexington

Victoria (last name withheld) posed for a portrait in her car, which she uses to drive for ride-hailing companies throughout the state. – Erin Clark / The Boston Globe

Do you agree with the results of Question 3?

Question 3 was passed on Wednesday afternoon, allowing rideshare drivers the opportunity to unionize. 

Do you agree with the results of Question 3?
Yes, I agree
45%
10
No, I disagree
41%
9
I'm neutral
14%
3

Yes, I agree:

“The gig economy jobs have been exploitative and geared towards the poorest amongst us taking the largest risk with the least reward. Unionization can be a helpful step to fixing this problem.” – Andy, Rockport 

No, I disagree:

“They are independent contractors, they make their own hours and they report to nobody. What union in the world has that flexibility?” – Jim, Methuen 

Moriah Ratner
Mushrooms that contain psilocybin, a hallucinogenic substance.

Do you agree with the results of Question 4?

Massachusetts voters rejected Question 4, which would have legalized multiple plant and mushroom-based psychedelics for therapeutic use.

Do you agree with the results of Question 4?
Yes, I agree
33%
50
No, I disagree
66%
101
I'm neutral
1%
1

No, I disagree

“There are worse substances that residents can already purchase at liquor stores everyday or pick up at the pharmacy. These psychedelics have huge potential to improve mental health.”– SK, South Shore

“I don’t even want to use mushrooms. Those who do, or can benefit from it, should not be told they cannot.” – Gerald, Brighton

“My health.” – Chris, Melrose

Yes, I agree

“We can’t allow people to have access to mescaline and these other dangerous hallucinogens.  Once weed was legal to carry and purchase people now smoke it in public places which is against the law.” – Tom T., Jamaica Plain

“Too many drugs widely available. And yes, this would have just opened the door to dispensaries to the general public. Just like marijuana. Besides adding to the tax base, how is that going for the Commonwealth?” – Tim, Marblehead

Ricardo Almeida, a bartender at Fajitas & 'Ritas earlier this year.
Ricardo Almeida, a bartender at Fajitas & ‘Ritas earlier this year. – Erin Clark/Globe Staff

Do you agree with the results of Question 5?

Question 5 was not passed, leaving the tipped minimum wage of $6.75 in place for tipped workers.

Do you agree with the results of Question 5?
Yes, I agree
74%
127
No, I disagree
25%
43
I'm neutral
1%
1

Yes, I agree

“Having been a server and bartender for many years, the ability to control my own income based on how hard I worked and how good I was at my job enabled me to earn far more than minimum wage.” – Kate, Arlington

“I am a server in Easton, MA, and I work very hard for the tips I earn. I am very happy with the way the system is now, and see no reason to change it.” – Garrett G., Brockton

“Servers and bartenders seemed overwhelmingly against the ballot measure. I don’t work in the industry so it seemed only right to vote according to what those in it wanted.” – Chelsea, Watertown

No, I disagree

“I’m tired of getting asked for a tip everywhere. I go and pick up my pizza and I’m getting guilted into a tip. The guy at the vape store has a tip option on his credit card machine. Where does it end and does that mean I should just stick a tip cup out at my desk?” – Ben C., Marshfield

“I think that the increase was well planned and should have passed. It doesn’t make sense to have waiters depend on tips. … It doesn’t make sense for Uber drivers to make a minimum wage of over 30 bucks but waiters need to rely on tips which makes so many things more confusing including splitting a bill.” – Michelle, Brookline

Donald Trump speaks to supporters at his election night gathering in West Palm Beach, Fla., early Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (Haiyun Jiang/The New York Times) – Haiyun Jiang/The New York Times

How do you feel about Donald Trump’s victory?

Wednesday, Nov. 6, 5:59 a.m.

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Donald Trump was elected the 47th president of the United States on Wednesday.

How do you feel about Donald Trump's victory?
I have positive feelings
44%
300
I have negative feelings
52%
353
I feel neutral
3%
22

“It’s sad to see how far the country has fallen over my 70 plus years. It’s no longer a place I recognize. Despite all the progress made in the areas of equal rights and quality of life in many areas, it feels like we are at the beginning of the end of this great experiment in democracy. We’ve turned the reins over to a cult that values show over substance and lies over facts.” – Sim Z., Worcester County

“The country can get back on a serious footing and the world can anticipate peace.” – Ferd B., Winchester

“Unfortunately, the democrats never provided us with a choice. There was only one option if you wanted this to be a true democratic election, and I think many voters recognized that. She was unlikable when she ran against Biden in 2020, and this further proves that.” – Jim, Hummock

“I am truly frightened. I fear the chaos that will ensue. He is full of revenge and retribution. His vulgar actions appall me. Shouldn’t the President of the United States exemplify decorum?” – John C., Needham

“Nauseated.” – Kelly, Leominster

Tell us in the form below. We want to know how you’re feeling about Donald Trump’s victory.

People wait in line to vote one hour before polls close on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in the East Boston neighborhood of Boston.

How are you feeling while we wait for election results?

Tuesday, Nov. 5, 10 p.m.

😰 Anxious 

“With so much at stake this election, I cannot wrap my head around a candidate. I cannot imagine a world with this candidate at the helm. I am equally afraid that the other candidate wins. As a nation, we’re so divided and polarized. It’s making me sick…” – Larry T., Ayer

“Am so anxious about the dissolution of democracy and our country if Trump wins. The electoral college needs to be eliminated — is an antiquated system which [is] not necessary. It is ridiculous that the candidate who gets the most votes may not win the election. Hoping and praying that Kamala Harris wins!” – KMC, Medfield

😁 Excited

“I’m glad we have an amazing enthusiasm and turnout no matter who or how you are voting.” – Michael O., Norton

“I voted for Donald Trump because America is supposed to be a free country. America is a business. What matters, are policies. And with Donald Trump’s policies, I believe our country will be better suited to unite. As a people, we should lift each other up, and help one another, find better ways to unite our families, friends, and local communities. I trust Donald Trump to prioritize peace, prosperity, and health more than I trust Kamala Harris to.” – Sarah O., Andover

🤷‍♀️ Indifferent

“I can’t believe this is the best our two parties can do.” – Iona S., Brookline

😡 Angry

“I want politics to be boring again.  I want our political parties to operate in a way where they can find compromise on the issues that matter to everyone and stop focusing on matters of whether a person has the right to exist. … I’m scared.  I’m scared for my family.  I’m scared for my friends.  I’m scared for all people that just want to live in peace and make things a little better each day, week, month, year.” – Jonathan B., Newburyport

How are you feeling while we wait for election results?
😁 Excited
22%
17
😞 Sad
8%
6
😰 Anxious
54%
41
😡 Angry
5%
4
🤷‍♀️ Indifferent
8%
6
Other
3%
2

They are giving out these cool turtle boy stickers at the early voting place
byu/TheTechOcogs inWorcesterMA
Fun Election day tribute
byu/AdhesivenessSea3920 inboston

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