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In Boston, Massachusetts, a longstanding debate about the implications of direct democracy is intensifying as the state’s initiative-and-referendum process faces scrutiny regarding its legitimacy and efficacy. The ability of citizens to propose and vote on laws and constitutional amendments has come under fire, especially amid concerns over recent legislative actions that many view as undermining voter decisions. Proponents of ballot initiatives argue that citizens have been consistently thwarted by lawmakers manipulating or disregarding voter-approved measures, particularly those aimed at lowering the income tax and implementing a Clean Elections campaign finance system. Detractors claim that some … Read more