Massachusetts Voters Reject All-Party Primaries in Election
Nine binding statewide ballot questions dominated the Massachusetts election, the most that Massachusetts voters have ever been asked to consider. By Wednesday morning, projections from the Associated Press captured the scope of a ballot that sought to fundamentally reshape state government, election administration, and environmental funding.
Among the most fiercely contested measures was Question 3, an effort to move Massachusetts toward all-party primaries. The Associated Press showed roughly 60% of counted votes by midnight rejected the measure, which top Beacon Hill Democrats strongly opposed. The defeat preserves the current dynamic where Democrats and Republicans separately steer their candidates through primaries onto the general election ballot.
Jordan Berg Powers, chair of Voter Rights MA, celebrated the outcome. He credited a broad coalition of community activists, labor unions, and grassroots organizations for pushing back against a campaign that critics argued relied heavily on private equity investments. Former Republican Gov. Charlie Baker and former Democratic Gov. Deval Patrick had backed Question 3, arguing it would give voters more choice and force officials to reach across the aisle. Meanwhile, Danielle Allen, chair of Coalition for a Healthy Democracy, acknowledged the uphill battle against the political status quo.
Expanding Access and Funding Conservation
Voters also weighed in on changes to voter registration and state conservation finance. Question 4, which establishes Election Day registration, was on a clear path to passage with approximately 56% support reported by the Associated Press. At the same time, a measure seeking to limit state tax collection headed toward defeat, with 53% of voters casting ballots against it based on nearly half of the tallied votes.
Supporters of Question 6 celebrated projected success for a measure designed to generate up to $100 million for water and land conservation. The law directs sales tax revenues collected on sporting goods, recreational vehicles, and golf courses into a dedicated fund.
The funding mechanism is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2027, starting with 50% of tax revenues earmarked in the first implementation year, followed by 100% in the second year and beyond. However, because the money remains subject to legislative appropriation, questions persist regarding how the funds will ultimately be deployed.
Voters Protect Gun Safety Laws at Ballot
Voters decisively turned back an effort to repeal the state’s 2024 gun safety law. The Associated Press reported that roughly 67% voted yes on Question 9 to maintain the statute, which was crafted in response to the Supreme Court’s 2022 Bruen ruling to oversee ghost guns, strengthen red flag laws, and update assault weapons restrictions. Ruth Zakarin, chair of the Yes on 9 for a Safe Massachusetts campaign, emphasized that voters firmly rejected an attempt to dismantle legislation meant to serve as a national playbook.
Voters similarly rejected Question 8, which sought to roll back recreational cannabis regulations. Conversely, they overwhelmingly backed Question 1 to subject the governor’s office and the Legislature to public records laws, and supported Question 2, allowing employees at the Committee for Public Counsel Services to unionize.
Results for Question 5, concerning state revenue limits, and Question 7, dealing with single-family home zoning on lots of at least 5,000 square feet, remained uncertain around midnight as local election officials continued processing ballots.
