Republicans Win Back White House with Trump Victory- Updated

MA Voters Also Legalize Marijuana

– Allison Goldsberry

Despite a long, drawn out campaign that was often nasty and in which Donald Trump became known for vulgar and outrageous statements and behavior, the Republican candidate was elected president.

Unofficial results show Trump with 276 electoral votes, compared to Democrat Hillary Clinton’s 218. However, Clinton earned more popular votes; 59,177,303 compared to Trump’s 59,041,250.

In Massachusetts, Clinton earned 61% of the vote, while Trump got 33%. In Medford, Clinton earned almost three times as many votes as Trump- 20,037 votes compared to Trump’s 7,561. Trump did manage to win some communities in a mostly blue Massachusetts; The Boston Globe has a tally here.

Congresswoman Katherine Clark, State Senator Pat Jehlen, Middlesex Sheriff Peter Koutoujian, Governor’s Councilor Terrence Kennedy, State Representatives Paul Donato, Sean Garballey, and Christine Barber all ran unopposed and were all re-elected.

Massachusetts voters also had four ballot questions to consider. The questions concerned slot parlors (Question 1), charter schools (Question 2), farm animal welfare (Question 3), and marijuana legalization (Question 4).

Voters approved Questions 3 and 4, requiring more humane conditions for farm animals and legalizing marijuana, but voted against Questions 1 and 2, rejecting more slot parlors and an increase in charter schools.

MA Governor Charlie Baker released some comments following Tuesday’s results.

“The people of Massachusetts deserve a federal government that works collaboratively to solve our nation’s problems and it is my hope that President-elect Donald Trump works quickly to unite our country after a divisive election. Our administration is eager to partner with the next administration to tackle the most pressing issues for our state, region and country.”

Gov. Baker had supported Question 2, which voters rejected. He released the following statement:

“I am proud to have joined with thousands of parents, teachers and education reformers in a worthwhile campaign to provide more education choices for students stuck in struggling districts, and while Question 2 was not successful, the importance of that goal is unchanged. I am proud that our administration has made historic investments in our public schools, expanded support for vocational schools and proposed new solutions to make college more affordable. I look forward to working closely with all stakeholders toward our common goal to ensure a great education for every child in Massachusetts, regardless of their zip code.”

The Governor had been against the legalization of marijuana, and had this to say:

“Lt. Governor Polito and I are proud to have worked with an unprecedented bipartisan coalition that has voiced concerns with this proposal, and our administration will work closely with lawmakers, educators, and public safety and public health professionals to ensure this transition protects the interests of our communities and families.”

Correction: An earlier version of this story included ballot question data from 2012.