PORTLAND — Maine voters have decided to give the state’s lowest wage earners a raise.

They approved a ballot initiative that boosts the hourly minimum wage of $7.50 to $12 by 2020.

Voters also approved a proposed $100 million bond issue for transportation projects.

It was part of a busy day for referendums in Maine. Voters cast ballots on a host of questions Tuesday, from stricter gun control regulations to a new tax on higher earners. 

The question that attracted the most attention nationwide was whether to make marijuana possession and use legal for adults older than 21. By Wednesday morning, supporters of the measure were declaring victory.

A gun control question that called for closing loopholes in Maine background check laws on the sale or transfer of firearms between people was rejected by voters.

A question on whether to allow ranked-choice voting in Maine was approved.

A sixth initiative that would add a 3 percent income tax on residents who make more than $200,000 per year to support public education was still too close to call as of noon on Wednesday.

Here are some details about the referendums:

GOING TO POT

Residents approved on a ballot question that asked if they wanted to make marijuana legal for people who are older than 21.

The proposal, which attracted national attention, allows the state to cultivate, manufacture, distribute, test and sell marijuana and marijuana products. Marijuana would be taxed at 10 percent and subject to local restrictions.

Parents’ groups and some law enforcement organizations opposed the proposal. It also received scrutiny from members of the medical marijuana community, who fear it would replace the state’s medical program.

The statewide initiative follows votes to legalize pot at the city level in Portland and South Portland in recent years. The city of Lewiston shot down a similar proposal.

HIKING MINIMUM WAGE

Voters decided to put more money in the pockets of the state’s lowest wage earners.

A ballot question called for the hourly minimum wage to increase from $7.50 to $12 by 2020. It was approved.

The raise will come in installments. The minimum wage is set to increase to $9 next year and then go up $1 annually until it reaches $12 in 2020. The proposal also includes benefits for tipped workers.

Supporters and opponents of the referendum were divided about whether the expense would penalize small business owners. Michael Landgarten, who owns three restaurants in the state, said the pay raise is overdue.

“Anyone who works 40 hours a week should make a living wage,” he said. “That’s an employer’s responsibility.”

DIVIDING NEIGHBORS: BACKGROUND CHECKS

Mainers voted against stricter gun controls.

The ballot question would have create new requirements for background checks for people who buy firearms.

The new law would have required the checks before the sale or transfer of firearms between people who are not licensed as firearms dealers. Failure to do so would have been punishable by law. Some exceptions included family members, hunting, self-defense, lawful competitions and shooting range activities.

Proponents said the change would close a loophole in state gun laws. Opponents contended that it was an unnecessary restriction that was bankrolled by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. His nonprofit donated millions to the drive.

The National Rifle Association of America campaigned against the law.

A NEW WAY OF VOTING

Ranked choice voting is coming to Maine.

Residents voted on a ballot question that promised to bring the ranked choice style of voting, also known as “instant runoffs,” to the state. Ranked choice voting allows voters to rank multiple candidates on the ballot. Ballots are then counted at the state level in multiple rounds in which last-place candidates are eliminated until a candidate wins by a majority.

Supporters have said the change would give voters more voice. Skeptics have described the system as potentially slow and confusing.

HIGH EARNERS’ TAX

Voters approved having the state’s highest earners pay an extra 3 percent tax to support public education.

The tax will be on individual taxable incomes above $200,000. The fund’s purpose will be to provide direct support for student learning in kindergarten through 12th grade in public schools.

Supporters said the fund would raise $157 million per year.

Critics of the proposal included Republican Gov. Paul LePage and his Democratic predecessor, John Baldacci. They said a new tax would hurt the economy.

TRANSPORTATION FUNDS

Maine residents approved a $100 million bond issue for transportation-related projects. The money will pay for projects such as construction, reconstruction and rehabilitation of highways and bridges.