Researchers examined Massachusetts voters' reactions to Proposition 2 1/2--which severely restricts local governments' ability to raise money for local public services--through a statewide telephone survey of 1,561 household heads in 58 towns. Data were gathered on each respondent's vote on the proposition, sex, age, education, occupation, income, marital status, race, home ownership, tax burden, use of public services, and other demographic characteristics as well as on knowledge about and attitudes toward Proposition 2 1/2, public finances, taxes, and the level, efficiency, and beneficiaries of public services. Cross-tabulation of the data indicates, among other things, that preference for smaller public sector accounts for only some of the favorable vote on Proposition 2 1/2; that "yes" voters both preferred tax reform and expected Proposition 2 1/2 to accomplish it; and that expectations of reduced governmental waste, inefficiency, and corruption, especially at the local government level, explain a large proportion of the vote favoring the proposition. Three appendices describe the sampling plan, outline the interview schedule, and present the sample's demographic characteristics. (RW)