As of Wednesday morning, with 89 percent of the votes counted, according to the Associated Press, 59 percent of voters in the state voted “Yes” on Question 2, which removes the test as a graduation requirement.

“In passing Question 2, Massachusetts voters proclaimed that they are ready to let teachers teach and students learn, without the onerous effects of high-stakes standardized testing undermining the mission of public education: to prepare all students for future success as citizens. , hardworking and creative, happy adults,” said a joint statement from Massachusetts Teachers Association President Max Page and Vice President Deb McCarthy.

Teachers’ unions lobbied hard and spent heavily to support the proposal.

“As it stands now, (we) are thankful that the voters came out and listened to educators and listened to the impact that MCAS has on students who are struggling to pass the exam,” said Melissa Verdier, president of the Worcester Education Association , the union representing Worcester teachers, on Tuesday night. “It was unfair and it punished students who struggled to understand English, who had IEPs, and this, hopefully, because this is going in the right direction, it moves us away from a system that punishes students and towards a system where we can make sure students have the skills to achieve in life, not pass a test.”