Ballot 2026 Series
Our Ballot 2026 Series is the BoxfordDems’ attempt at providing brief overviews of the various certified Massachusetts ballot initiatives as they pertain to our region. They cover topics such as taxes, housing, elections, transparency in government, conservation funding, marijuana policy, labor rights, and voter registration.
Opinions expressed in the series do not necessarily represent those of the Boxford Democratic Town Committee and should not be considered to be Committee endorsements of a particular policy or initiative. They are provided to promote healthy discussion and help voters make informed decisions at the ballot box.
Top-Two Primary Elections Initiative
The Top-Two Primary Elections Initiative has officially qualified for the November 3, 2026 statewide ballot.
By Terri Teleen. Published August 17, 2026
If approved, the initiative would replace Massachusetts’ current primary election system with a single, open primary. All candidates would appear on a single primary ballot.
The two highest vote-getters for each office—regardless of party affiliation – would move on to the general election in November. This would apply to all statewide offices (Governor, Attorney General, etc.), the state legislature, U.S. House and Senate races, and other state elections (county and district offices).
At a glance: What’s at stake?
If passed, this Initiative would fundamentally alter the way Massachusetts voters elect candidates.
Massachusetts currently operates a “semi-closed” primary system, in which each party has its own ballot. Registered party members are required to select their party’s ballot and unaffiliated voters may vote in the primary of their choice. A voter can change their affiliation up until the 10th day before a primary. (See also the discussion about Ballot Question 4.)
Pros/Cons
ARGUMENTS IN FAVOR
Advocates focus on the fact that Massachusetts has many uncontested and/or low-turnout primaries, and argue that the current primary system in Massachusetts means that elections are effectively decided before November, and that a top-two system would broaden participation and competition. Coalition for Healthy Democracy provides additional information on the “pro” view
ARGUMENTS AGAINST
Opponents generally argue that the proposed system could give outsized influence to Republican voters, (~8% of registered voters in Massachusetts are Republications) and business-aligned interests. They also argue the current open primary system already allows independents to participate without restructuring the process. Voter Rights MA provides more information on the “con” view.
National perspective
Three states – Alaska, California, and Washington – currently conduct open primaries. Please see Ballotpedia for more detailed information.
Summary
A “Yes” vote supports shifting Massachusetts to a single, non-partisan primary that in which the top two, regardless of party, would proceed to the general election.
A “No” vote would preserve Massachusetts’ existing primary election system.
Massachusetts voters will decide the future of this initiative on November 3, 2026.
Author recommendation
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Terri Teleen is a Boxford resident and Vice Chair of the Boxford Democratic Town Committee.
What do you think?
Please weigh in. Let us know if you’re in favor of or opposed to this initiative. Voting ends on Friday and results will be published in next week’s newsletter.
2026 BALLOT MEASURES?
The nine statewide questions that will appear on November ballots are numbered as follows:
Q 1: Expanding the Public Records Law
Q 2: Collective Bargaining for CPCS Employees
Q 3: State Primary Elections
Q 4: Election Day Registration
Q 5: State Revenue Limit & Rebate
Q 6: Natural Resource Conservation Fund
Q 7: Single Family Homes
Q 8: Sale of Adult Recreational Use Marijuana
Q 9: Firearms Regulation
Table of recurring content - TK
