State Primary Elections
Would replace separate party primaries with one combined primary, where the top two finishers advance to the general election regardless of party.
A YES vote
Creates a single primary for state offices (governor, other constitutional offices, U.S. Senate and House, state Legislature, district attorney, sheriff) where every candidate appears on one ballot and every registered voter gets the same ballot. The top two vote-getters move on to the general election, even if they belong to the same party. Governor and lieutenant governor would run as a joint ticket. Each candidate's party would still be listed on the ballot.
A NO vote
Keeps separate party primaries as they work today.
Who this affects
- Every registered voter, especially unenrolled (independent) voters who can already vote in either party's primary
- Candidates and the state's political parties, which would lose control over nominations
- Congressional and state legislative races
Who's for it, who's against it
Supporters say
The Coalition for Healthy Democracy — the same group behind Question 1 — sponsored the petition. Supporters include U.S. Representatives Jake Auchincloss and Seth Moulton, and former Governor Deval Patrick.
Opponents say
Voter Rights MA is leading the opposition, backed by both major state political parties, Senator Edward Markey, and several large unions.
Who's paying for the campaigns
Funding the YES side
Shares the Coalition for Healthy Democracy's $5.2 million committee with Question 1 — the largest funder of any question this cycle.
Funding the NO side
Voter Rights MA is leading the opposition, backed by both major state parties and several large unions; its total spending wasn't broken out in available filings.
Figures reflect filings as of late August 2026 and will shift before Election Day.
Official summary and full text: Secretary of the Commonwealth, Information for Voters. Background and funding figures compiled from nonpartisan research by Tufts University's Center for State Policy Analysis and OCPF campaign finance filings.