A bill sent to the governor's desk this past week could effectively take one of the three questions off the ballot this November. 

On July 31, the last day of the Legislative session, the two sides in the "Right to Repair" debate reached an agreement that could make the fall vote unnecessary. 

According to the bill, automakers would be required make available to independent mechanics all repair codes and other diagnostic information but have time to satisfy a mandate that all new cars sold in Massachusetts include an onboard diagnostic and repair information system that can be accessed from a laptop computer, according to the Boston Herald.

Despite the compromise, it is too late to actually remove the question from November's ballot, the Associated Press reports. But according to the AP, both sides in the "right to repair" debate will work to inform the public of the compromise and ask voters to defeat the question as a result.

On August 2, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers Global Automakers sent Gov. Deval Patrick a letter urging him to sign the compromise bill: 

Your approval will ensure an acceptable agreement that will safeguard all stakeholders, including consumers throughout the Commonwealth.  It will preserve choice for Massachusetts vehicle owners, protect manufacturers’ intellectual property, preserve the integrity of the role of the dealer in the repair process, and continue innovation in motor vehicle diagnostics.  It also protects Massachusetts small independent repair businesses and community dealers. 

With your signature into law, our organizations are committed to working together to comprehensively inform voters that Question #1 on the November ballot is unnecessary.  

Questions about medicinal marijuana and assisted suicide will also be on this November's ballot. Click here for more information on these ballot questions.