2026 Massachusetts Election Ballot Questions

Indivisible Middleboro provides this nonpartisan voter education guide to help residents understand the nine statewide ballot questions appearing on the 2026 Massachusetts General Election Ballot. Please confirm all details with the Secretary of State’s Voter Guide and MyBallot (Tufts University).

Question 1: Expanding the Public Records Law

Summary: This proposed law would eliminate the current exemption that shields the Governor’s Office and the Legislature from Massachusetts’ public records law. Massachusetts is widely considered one of the least transparent states in the nation.

YES Vote

Makes most records held by the Legislature and Governor’s Office subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law.

NO Vote

Makes no change to the current public records law.

Question 2: Collective Bargaining for CPCS Employees

Summary: This proposed law would allow employees of the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) to unionize. CPCS lawyers represent low-income defendants and often face overwhelming caseloads and low pay.

YES Vote

Allows CPCS employees to form a union and collectively bargain.

NO Vote

Makes no change to current labor laws governing CPCS employees.

Question 3: State Primary Elections (Top-Two Primary)

Summary: This proposed law would eliminate separate party primaries for state elections. All candidates would appear on a single primary ballot, and the top two vote-getters would advance to the general election. Governor and Lt. Governor would run as a ticket.

YES Vote

Eliminates separate party primaries.
Creates a single primary ballot with all candidates.
Allows voters to choose any candidate.
Advances the top two candidates to the general election.
Lists party endorsements under each candidate.
Grants political party status to groups whose candidates receive 3% or more of primary votes.

NO Vote

Makes no change to current primary election laws.

Question 4: Election Day Registration

Summary: This proposed law would allow eligible residents to register to vote or update their address at their polling place on Election Day. Voters must show proof of residency and sign a written oath. Twenty-one states currently allow same-day registration.

YES Vote

Permits eligible citizens to register or update their address at their polling place on Election Day.

NO Vote

Makes no change to current voter registration laws.

Question 5: State Revenue Limit & Rebate

Summary: This proposed law would change how Massachusetts limits annual revenue growth and requires rebates when revenue exceeds the limit. Critics warn that tying revenue limits to prior-year collections could restrict state spending after recessions and hinder recovery.

YES Vote

Changes the revenue limit formula.
Ties allowable revenue growth to prior-year collections plus average wage and salary growth.
Requires rebates of revenue exceeding the limit.

NO Vote

Makes no change to Chapter 62F governing state revenue collection.

Question 6: Natural Resource Conservation Fund

Summary: This proposed law would create a “Nature for All Fund,” directing roughly $100 million annually from existing sales tax revenues toward conservation, parks, and green space improvements. Supporters highlight underfunded conservation needs; critics raise concerns about dedicating existing revenue without legislative oversight.

YES Vote

Creates a conservation fund supported by taxes on sporting goods, recreational vehicles, and golf course use.

NO Vote

Makes no change to current spending of sales and use tax revenues.

Question 7: Single-Family Homes on Smaller Lots

Summary: This proposed law would allow single-family homes on residential lots of at least 5,000 square feet with adequate frontage and access to public water and sewer. Supporters say it will help address the housing shortage; opponents cite infrastructure concerns.

YES Vote

Allows single-family homes on lots of 5,000 square feet or more.
Applies in residentially zoned areas.
Subject to reasonable local regulation.

NO Vote

Makes no change to current laws governing single-family home construction.

Question 8: Prohibit Retail Sale of Adult Recreational Marijuana

Summary: This proposed law would repeal the legalization of adult-use recreational marijuana. Medical marijuana would remain legal.

YES Vote

Prohibits legalization, regulation, and taxation of adult-use recreational marijuana.
Changes penalties for possession.

NO Vote

Makes no change to current marijuana laws.

Question 9: Firearms Regulation

Summary: This ballot question would uphold the 2024 landmark gun safety law (Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024). The law strengthens regulations on assault-style weapons, ghost guns, machine guns, and expands Extreme Risk Protection Orders.

YES Vote

Upholds the 2024 gun safety law.
Maintains expanded firearm regulations, tracking requirements, and safety certificate rules.

NO Vote

Repeals the 2024 gun safety law.

Massachusetts Voter Table’s 2026 Ballot Question Endorsements

This November, Massachusetts voters will decide on nine statewide ballot questions. MVT is taking a position on four:

YES on 2 — Collective Bargaining for CPCS Employees
Gives CPCS employees, including public defenders, the right to collectively bargain over pay, benefits, and working conditions.

YES on 4 — Election Day Registration
Allows eligible Massachusetts residents to register or update their voter registration on Election Day.

NO on 5 — State Revenue Limit & Rebate
Changes the state’s revenue limit and requires excess revenue to be refunded to taxpayers, reducing resources available for public services.

YES on 9 — Firearms Regulation
Keeps Massachusetts’ 2024 firearms law in place, including regulations on ghost guns, assault-style weapons, licensing, safety training, and extreme risk protection orders.