Massachusetts voters approved ballot questions giving the state auditor the authority to investigate the state Legislature and ride-sharing drivers’ right to unionize, but rejected an effort to decriminalize psychedelic use for residents over 21 years.

Tuesday’s election result on the ride-sharing driver question gives unions an opportunity to bolster their ranks in an untouchable industry that has long drawn attention in Massachusetts for its treatment of drivers and the work environment.

In a statement more than 16 hours after the polls closed, the union behind the question, 32BJ SEIU, said it expected “prompt implementation” after residents voted to approve “a significant check against the growing power of companies based on applications”.

The legislative audit question is gaining support

The Massachusetts State Auditor’s Office won explicit authority to open the Legislature’s books after voters approved the ballot question championed by Diana DiZoglio, a former state lawmaker who currently holds the role.

But the residents’ approval may create a complicated path for DiZoglio in his efforts to audit the House and Senate, which have resisted cooperating with any investigation and whose top leaders have left the door open to changing policy after Election Day.

In a statement just before midnight Tuesday, DiZoglio said the victory was an “opportunity for all of us to look forward to and work to improve our Legislature.”

House Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka said they would consider next steps, including how to honor the election results “in a manner that is aligned with fundamental principles of the Massachusetts Constitution, including the separation of powers.”

Fungi have a bad trip to the polls

Massachusetts residents voted against decriminalizing the use of psychedelics in licensed establishments and the ability to grow mushrooms containing the substances at home, a result that dealt a blow to a coalition that has attracted millions of dollars from out-of-state donors.

A spokesman for the Coalition for Safe Communities, the group that opposed the question, said voters recognize “the negative impacts (the question) would have on our neighborhoods, roads, hospitals, children, pets and public safety in whole state”.