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Massachusetts November 2026 ballot measures

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2026-10-14 04:25 UTC → 2026-10-20 14:39 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Massachusetts voters face nine ballot questions during the November 3, 2026, election. A central focus is Ballot Question 3, a proposed reform to the state’s electoral system that would eliminate traditional partisan primaries. Under this measure, all candidates for state, federal, and local offices would appear on a single primary ballot accessible to all registered ~~voters.~~ voters, with the top two vote-getters advancing to the general election. Proponents, including Harvard professor Danielle Allen, argue this would increase competition ~~and empower the state’s 3.2 million independent voters~~ in a state where many legislative races ~~that~~ currently ~~often~~ feature only a single candidate. However, opponents, including Voting Rights MA chair Jordan Berg Powers and several high-profile Democratic leaders, have raised concerns regarding the initiative. Question 4 addresses same-day voter registration, which would allow voters to register on election day rather than the current requirement to register at least 10 days in advance. Supporters argue this would increase accessibility for students and those undergoing life changes, while opponents cite concerns regarding election security and increased workloads for officials. Question 1 seeks to expand the state’s public records law by removing current exemptions for the governor’s office, the Legislature, and the judiciary. While Governor Maura Healey has expressed support, the Legislature’s Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions has raised concerns regarding compliance resources. ~~Support for this transparency measure has been noted among community members at Suffolk University.~~ Other measures include Question 2, which addresses the ability of public defenders to unionize and engage in collective bargaining. The full ballot also includes proposals regarding ~~election day voter registration and~~ a mandate for smaller lot sizes to address the housing ~~shortage.~~ shortage and Question ~~9 will serve~~ 9, which serves as a referendum on an existing law.

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