Alcohol sales tax will be first ballot question

The first question on the November ballot will give voters the chance to repeal the state's alcohol sales tax.

Secretary of State William Galvin unveiled the order of the ballot questions Thursday.

The second question will give voters the choice to repeal the state's affordable housing law known as 40B. Question Three will ask voters if they want to reduce the state's sales tax from 6.25 percent to 3 percent.

The alcohol sales tax was first implemented in 2009 as part of the state's efforts to raise revenues. Package store owners say the tax has turned customers away, especially on the border with New Hampshire, which does not have sales tax.

Opponents say the tax revenue pays for essential substance abuse programs.

Questions higher on the ballot tend to garner the most attention.