Massachusetts 2026 Ballot Questions

What it would do

Expand the public records law so most records of the Governor’s office and the Legislature become subject to it (currently both have broad exemptions).

Why vote Yes

Supports greater government transparency. Massachusetts is one of the few states that broadly exempts the governor’s office and legislature from public records requests. Progressives argue that “letting the sunlight in” will improve accountability and reduce the ability of powerful institutions to operate in secrecy.

What it would do

Allow employees of the Committee for Public Counsel Services (state public defenders) to form a union and collectively bargain.

Why vote Yes

Backs the principle that every worker deserves the right to organize and bargain collectively. Public defenders are described as overworked, underpaid, and essential to a functioning justice system. Union rights are seen as a way to improve working conditions and strengthen the public defense system.

What it would do

Replace separate party primaries with a single all-party primary; the top two finishers (regardless of party) advance to the general election.

Why vote No

Strongly opposed. Critics say the measure is heavily funded by private equity and business interests. They argue it advantages wealthy self-funders and candidates backed by corporate PACs while disadvantaging grassroots and working-class candidates. Experience in other states is cited as evidence that top-two systems can lock out progressives and reduce the influence of party activists and organized labor.

What it would do

Allow voters to register or update their registration on Election Day.

Why vote Yes

Viewed as a proven, low-barrier way to increase voter turnout. Same-day registration particularly helps young people, renters, and others who move frequently and may miss traditional registration deadlines. Progressives see it as expanding access without creating new burdens.

What it would do

Impose a tighter limit on state revenue growth and require excess revenue to be returned to taxpayers as rebates.

Why vote No

Opposed as a de facto tax cut that would primarily benefit higher-income households while constraining the state’s ability to fund services. Progressives warn it could force cuts to health care, transportation, education, and other public programs, and that it would undermine gains from the Fair Share Amendment (the millionaires’ tax).

What it would do

Dedicate existing sales tax revenue from sporting goods, RVs, and golf courses to a new fund for natural resource and water conservation.

Why vote Yes

Endorsed by Mass Audubon and the Nature for Massachusetts Coalition (100+ organizations and businesses). It creates permanent, dedicated funding (up to about $100 million a year) to conserve land, protect clean water, improve outdoor recreation, and build climate resilience, with no new taxes, by redirecting existing sales tax on sporting goods. No organized opposition has formed. (Progressive Massachusetts and Boston DSA took no formal position, citing concern about diverting existing revenue.)

What it would do

Reduce minimum lot-size requirements in many communities so more single-family homes can be built on smaller lots.

Why vote Yes

Supported as a step toward addressing the housing shortage. Large minimum lot sizes are seen as a major barrier to building more homes and as a tool that keeps neighborhoods exclusive and unaffordable. Reducing these requirements is viewed as a practical way to increase housing supply.

What it would do

Ban retail sales of recreational marijuana and effectively roll back the 2016 legalization.

Why vote No

Opposed as an attempt to reverse the 2016 legalization of recreational cannabis. Progressives argue a ban would harm local economies, eliminate jobs and tax revenue, and revive elements of the War on Drugs. They favor keeping the regulated market in place rather than returning to prohibition.

What it would do

A Yes vote keeps the 2024 gun law in place (ghost guns, machine-gun conversion devices, data collection, etc.); a No vote repeals it.

Why vote Yes

Supports keeping the 2024 gun safety law intact. The law includes restrictions on ghost guns, machine-gun conversion devices, and improved data collection. Progressives frame a Yes vote as protecting a landmark public-safety measure against a repeal effort backed by the gun lobby.