Question 3One all-party primary, top two advance
Read the full text of the measure: Information for Voters page for this question
In plain words
Replaces separate party primaries for state offices with one primary open to all candidates. The top two vote-getters go on to the November ballot. (sec.state.ma.us )
Before and after
| Today | If YES wins | |
|---|---|---|
| What the rule is | Each party holds its own primary, and each party's winner goes to the general election ballot along with independents. | All candidates for a state office run on one primary ballot and any voter can pick any candidate. The top two advance, even if both are from the same party. Governor and lieutenant governor candidates run as a pair. A group whose statewide candidate gets at least 3% of primary ballots gets party status. Starts January 1, 2028. |
Numbers from the official ballot title (ballot title ); also see
Example
Illustration only: five candidates run for a state house seat in the primary. The two with the most votes, whatever their party, are the only two on the November ballot. (sec.state.ma.us )
Biggest change
- One all-candidate primary for state offices source: sec.state.ma.us
- Top two advance to the general election source: sec.state.ma.us
- Governor and lieutenant governor run jointly in the primary source: sec.state.ma.us
- 3% of primary ballots gives party status source: sec.state.ma.us
- Effective January 1, 2028 source: sec.state.ma.us
Who it affects most: All voters, political parties, minor-party and independent candidates.
Cost to the state: The Executive Office of Administration and Finance says the law has no clear material cost to state or local budgets.
Our plain-words summary. Every line points to its source.
What your vote means
Ends separate party primaries for state offices; one primary where the top two advance.
No change to primary election laws.
Our one-line summary. The state's Information for Voters booklet has the official statements of what a YES and a NO vote would do.
Why people want it, and why others object
Why this is on the ballot
Voters put this on the ballot by signing a petition. It changes a state law, which lawmakers can later change. It passes with more YES than NO votes, and YES votes from at least 30% of all voters who cast a ballot.
- On May 4, 2026, a majority of the Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions recommended no action, raising concerns about vote splitting, party accountability, voter confusion, and the lack of a defined endorsement process. source: sec.state.ma.us
Why supporters want it
- Official argument by Danielle Allen, Coalition for Healthy Democracy: insiders have the edge, many races are decided before most people vote, and candidates can be blocked at party conventions; it says "two-thirds of the legislature is running unopposed"; all-party primaries would add competition, accountability, and new voices. source: sec.state.ma.us
Why opponents object
- Official argument by Vanessa A. Snow, Voter Rights MA: top-two systems in California and Washington have favored wealthy, self-funded candidates and corporate PACs over grassroots candidates; third-party and independent candidates would be shut out of November; it would limit choice, competition, and turnout. source: sec.state.ma.us
Who backs each side
- Coalition for Healthy Democracy (Danielle Allen) source: sec.state.ma.us
In each side's own words where we could find them, quoted or summarized with a link to the source. We don't endorse either side.
What you will see on your ballot
Official ballot wording, word for word (tap to open)
The official ballot title, word for word from the Secretary of the Commonwealth's Information for Voters .
Question 3: Law Proposed by Initiative Petition. State Primary Elections
Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House of Representatives before May 6, 2026?
YES
NO
Official summary by the Attorney General (tap to open)
This proposed law would eliminate political party primaries for state elections and instead establish a system where there would be a single, all-party primary in which all candidates, regardless of their party affiliation, would be listed on one ballot, and voters could vote for any candidate on the ballot. The two candidates receiving the most votes in the primary would advance to the general election ballot.(sec.state.ma.us )
This proposed law would require candidates for governor and lieutenant governor to run and be listed jointly on the ballot in the primary.
This proposed law would provide political party status to any group whose candidates for any statewide office received at least 3% of the ballots cast in the state primary.
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Full text of the measure
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