September 15, 2026
In less than two months, Massachusetts voters will go to the polls not only to elect a governor, a senator, nine US representatives, and 200 state legislators. They will also be asked to weigh in on nine ballot questions — tying a record set in 1972 and then hit again in 1976 and 1994 — that could have far-reaching consequences for everything from how we conduct our primaries to whether a landmark gun law will remain on the books.
It may feel like a daunting task. Being prepared to decide state policy on issues as disparate as election reform and gun control requires going beyond what each campaign is saying about these issues. It means understanding the implications of your vote. Today, to help you parse the thicket of information swirling around these proposals, and to add context and nuance to the policy debates unfolding this election cycle, CommonWealth Beacon is launching our Ballot Question Voter Guide in partnership with The Bay State Banner and El Planeta.
In it, you’ll find digestible summaries, historical information, and an explanation of what “yes” and “no” votes mean for each question. We’ve also collated campaign finance data and laid out who the major players are in each campaign.
Over the next several weeks, our reporters will be following these nine ballot questions, cutting through the spin as the supporters and opponents of each make their cases to the voters. We will also be hosting two events — one in Worcester on October 6 to discuss the connection between voting and wellbeing and a debate on October 13 at Northern Essex Community College where we will be bringing together the supporters and opponents of the all-party primary system. Our goal is to create a comprehensive, non-partisan record that Massachusetts residents can rely on as they consider how they want to vote.
Click on the links below to find out more: .
As always, thanks for reading.
— The CommonWealth Beacon team
Published by MassINC