Kaitlyn Renda
Connector Staff
As we approach yet another year of voting, a new set of ballot questions comes along with it. Understanding each question can help voters make informed decisions, but it is also important to understand the impact each YES or NO can have on different people around the state. Here is a guide to each one of the questions that will be asked on this 2026 State Election ballot, according to the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts:
Question 1: Expanding the Public Records Law
This potential law is proposing the question of whether the state should require the Legislature and the Governor’s Office to make most of their records available to the public. If this proposed law is instituted, the Governor’s Office and Legislature would be subject to the Public Records Law. Certain documents would be exempt, such as anything on the development of public policy. This would also apply to communication between legislators and their constituents regarding requests for assistance with government-provided benefits or services, or interactions with other government agencies. This question focuses on the balance between transparency with citizens and privacy within the government.
Question 2: Collective Bargaining for CPCS Employees
This proposed law asks whether the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) employees should be permitted to form a union and collectively bargain with their employer. By forming a union, it would allow for collective bargaining between CPCS employees and CPCS. After reaching a collective bargaining agreement, CPCS would also be required to request the necessary funding from the Governor.
Question 3: Changing the State Primary Election System
This proposed law would remove political party primaries for state elections. Instead, it would create a single, all-party primary ballot. This would allow voters to choose any candidate, regardless of political affiliation. After the primary, the two candidates who receive the most votes would proceed to the general election ballot, regardless of the political party. Candidates running for governor and lieutenant governor will run together as one pair on the same ballot.
Question 4: Election Day Voter Registration
This proposed law would allow voters to register to vote or update their registration on election day. Individuals would need to provide proof of residency and sign an oath confirming that they meet the legal requirements to vote later that day, as well as all future elections. If they cannot provide proof of residency that day, they can cast a provisional ballot that will only be counted if the proper information is given by the specified deadline.
Question 5: State Revenue Limit & Rebate
This proposed law would control the amount of revenue the state can collect each year. The limit would follow the amount of state revenue collected the year prior and be adjusted based on the average growth in wages and salaries over the past three years. If the state collects more than the given amount, the money will be returned to taxpayers in the next year. The calculation would also include the surtax placed upon individuals making over $1,000,000 annually.
Question 6: Natural Resource Conservation Fund
This proposed law would introduce a fund called the “Nature for All Fund”. This fund would receive 50% of all taxes, if approved by the legislature, on the sale and use of sporting goods, recreational vehicles, and golf courses during its first year of operation. After July 1, 2028, the Nature for All Fund would begin to receive 100% of taxes paid by the previously stated items and organizations. The fund’s resources would be used to support resource conservation around the state.
Question 7: Single Family Homes
This proposed law would allow single-family homes to be built in residentially zoned areas on land that is 5,000 square feet if there is at least 50 feet of frontage along the street, road, or public way the property faces. The housing will also be required to have access to public sewers and water services. Other regulations and guidelines, such as rental time or distance from neighboring buildings, would be instituted by the city or town if it is within the limits of the proposed laws.
Question 8: Prohibit Retail Sale of Adult Recreational Use Marijuana
This proposed law would end the retail sale of marijuana for recreational use. Medicinal marijuana can still be prescribed, but no licensed retail dispensary will be able to sell recreationally. Adults 21 or older will be allowed to possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana. If voters vote NO on this proposal, Massachusetts residents will maintain the right to purchase Marijuana from a licensed retail dispensary.
Question 9: Gun Laws
This proposed law would change Massachusetts Gun Laws. The 2024 gun regulation laws instituted “Red Flag” laws, expanded background checks for those looking to purchase a gun or obtain their Firearm License, added the requirement that people need to be at least 21-years-old to own semiautomatic rifles or shotguns, and added more regulations on firearms and their owners. A YES vote would keep these regulations in place, while a NO vote would repeal the 2024 law. Other existing Massachusetts gun laws would remain in effect.
