Massachusetts Voters Reject Jungle Primaries, Approve Election Day Registration
The state’s largest ballot measure cycle in history produced mixed results on tax and housing questions, with a key conservation fund set to begin collecting revenue in 2027.
By David Almasi ·
Massachusetts voters faced nine binding statewide questions on Tuesday, the highest number in state history. The Associated Press projected outcomes for seven of the measures by Wednesday morning, leaving two undecided. The results signal a shift in state policy, particularly regarding election administration and conservation funding.
Voters rejected Question 3, which would have implemented all-party primaries. About 60% of the counted votes at midnight supported the No side. This measure, backed by former governors Charlie Baker and Deval Patrick, aimed to replace the current partisan primary system. Jordan Berg Powers, chair of Voter Rights MA, cited the defeat as a preservation of democratic power against private equity influence.
Question 4, which allows for Election Day registration, appeared to pass with 56% support. Question 6, a tax measure to fund water and land conservation, also showed a path to victory. Sales taxes on sporting goods, recreational vehicles, and golf courses would feed a new fund starting July 1, 2027. The first year would allocate 50% of these revenues, rising to 100% in the second year. Theoharides, a campaign leader, noted the state’s need to protect more land.
The tax limitation question failed, with 53% of voters voting against it based on half the tallied votes. Voters also rejected Question 8, which sought to roll back recreational cannabis laws. Conversely, they supported Question 1 to subject the governor’s office and Legislature to public records law, and Question 2 to allow unionization at the Committee for Public Counsel Services.
Question 9, a gun safety measure, appeared to win with 67% support. The law, crafted in response to the 2022 Bruen ruling, expands oversight of ghost guns and strengthens red flag laws. Campaign chair Ruth Zakarin stated that voters opposed using the result as a playbook for other states with strong gun laws.
Results remained uncertain for Question 5, which limits state revenue collections based on wage growth, and Question 7, which enables building on lots of at least 5,000 square feet. The high volume of ballot measures reflects growing voter engagement in bypassing the legislative process. Lawmakers on Beacon Hill had previously resisted these initiatives, opting not to strike compromises before the election.
