Massachusetts voters will see a record nine statewide ballot questions on the 2026 ballot, the most offered to the public in more than three decades. The measures cover a wide array of topics including public records access, collective bargaining rights for public defenders, and a major change to the primary election format.
What voters will decide
Election officials caution that longer ballots may slow polling lines as voters review pages of information. The questions were compiled and summarized by CBS Boston ahead of the Nov. 4 general election to help residents weigh each choice before they vote.
Among the most closely watched measures are proposals that would:
- Expand public records requirements to include the governor's office and the state Legislature, removing current exemptions.
- Allow unionization for employees of the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS), enabling public defenders and other CPCS staff to organize collectively.
- Change primary elections by replacing separate party primaries with a single, all-candidate primary in which the top two finishers advance to the general election.
Question 1: Public records
Question 1 would broaden the state's public records law to cover the governor's office and legislative records, which are currently exempt. Supporters argue the change will increase transparency and oversight of government spending and decision-making. Opposition centers on concerns that the language may be overly broad and could present privacy risks for lawmakers and staff.
"You have a right to see what your government is doing with your hard-earned taxpayer dollars,"
— State Auditor Diana DiZoglio, who has driven the push for this ballot item and has previously sought authority to audit the Legislature.
Question 2: Collective bargaining for CPCS employees
Question 2 would permit employees of CPCS to unionize. Backers say public defenders and related staff deserve the same collective bargaining rights afforded to many public employees. Opponents contend unionization could complicate the agency's ability to manage staffing and meet court deadlines.
Question 3: Top-two primary system
Question 3 seeks to replace separate party primaries with a single ballot where all candidates appear together and the two highest vote-getters — regardless of party — proceed to the general election. Supporters frame the measure as a way to boost competitive races across the state.
Harvard political philosopher Danielle Allen, a proponent of the change, said advocates aim to make every vote count and to increase competitiveness in elections where few races are contested.
Quick-reference table: First three questions
| Question | Subject | What a "Yes" vote does |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Public records | Includes governor's office and Legislature under public records law |
| 2 | CPCS collective bargaining | Allows CPCS employees to unionize |
| 3 | Primary elections | Replaces party primaries with a single top-two primary |
How to prepare at the polls
With multiple constitutional and statutory questions on the ballot, election officials recommend voters arrive prepared: read the ballot guide mailed by the state, review summaries from trusted local news outlets, and allow extra time at the polling place. Ballot language can be long and technical; understanding the practical impacts of a "Yes" or "No" vote will help voters make informed choices.
Several of the measures have organized champions and opponents. Some proposals lack formal opposition groups, while others have drawn public comment from lawmakers and policy experts. Voters should expect continued debate in the final weeks before Election Day as campaigns make their cases.
As voters consider each question, they will be deciding not just on policy details but on how the state balances transparency, public employee rights, and electoral structure going forward. The outcomes will shape Massachusetts governance for years to come.
Andre Okonkwo is the state correspondent for WE NEWS, covering Massachusetts government and politics.
