The following nine measures will appear on the November 3rd Massachusetts ballot. Find out more about the ballot questions in the Voter Guide on the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts website here.
Question 1: Expanding the Public Records Law
This proposed law would make most records held by the Legislature and the Office of the Governor public records under the Massachusetts Public Records Law.
Question 2: Collective Bargaining for CPCS Employees
This proposed law would specify that employees of the Committee for Public Counsel Services are permitted to engage in collective bargaining with their employer.
Question 3: State Primary Elections
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.
Question 4: Election Day Registration
This proposed law would permit eligible individuals to register to vote or update their voter registration address on Election Day.
Question 5: State Revenue Limit & Rebate
This proposed law would change the limit on how much revenue the state can collect in a given year. If revenues exceed that limit, the law triggers a refund to taxpayers.
Question 6: Natural Resource Conservation Fund
This proposed law would establish a Nature for All Fund that, subject to appropriation by the Legislature, would receive 50% of state taxes collected from the sale and use of sporting goods, recreational vehicles, and golf courses for the first year of its operation.
Question 7: Zoning of Single Family Homes
This proposed law would allow single-family homes to be built in a residentially zoned area as long as the land on which it is to be constructed is at least 5,000 square feet, has at least 50 feet of land bordering the street, road, or public way that it faces, and has access to public sewer and water services.
Question 8: Prohibit Retail Sale of Adult Recreational Use Marijuana
The proposed law would change the type and amount of marijuana that may legally be possessed in Massachusetts by repealing the laws that legalize, regulate, and tax the retail sale of adult recreational use marijuana in Massachusetts.
Question 9: Firearms Regulation (Vote YES to uphold the current law)
This is a veto referendum to repeal An Act Modernizing Firearms Laws.
Find out more about the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts positions on the ballot questions here.
LWVMA SUPPORTS
Question 1: Expanding the Public Records Law
Question 4: Election Day Registration
Question 7: Single Family Homes
Question 9: Firearms Regulation: Vote YES to uphold the current firearms law
LWVMA OPPOSES
Question 5: State Revenue Limit & Rebate
LWVMA TAKES NO POSITION ON
Question 2: Collective Bargaining for CPCS Employees
Question 3: State Primary Elections
Question 6: Natural Resource Conservation Fund
Question 8: Prohibit Retail Sale of Adult Recreational Use Marijuana
September 19, 2026
The end of summer means it’s time to get ready for Arlington’s Town Day. LWV Arlington will have a booth at this event that will be packed with information about voter registration, the November election, 2026 ballot questions, precinct maps, proposed legislation, League membership, policies, and activities, and other voter service literature. We are looking for volunteers to work in 1- or 2-hour increments from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
This is a great, fast-paced event, with two to three people at the booth at all times, so both seasoned and new League members are welcome to participate. If you can help out, please contact Meredith Zona. We look forward to seeing you on Town Day!
In this issue of the League of Women Voters of Arlington Bulletin:
- September 2026 Calendar
- Come and Help Out at the League Town Day Booth on September 19!
- Co-President’s Message
- League of Women Voters, Campaign Legal Center Celebrate Victory as Court Blocks USCIS Rule
- Governor Healey Has Signed the PROTECT Act Into Law!
- Freedom to Read Act Becomes Law in Massachusetts
- Legislative Win! Abortion Decisions Between Patients and Doctors Are Now the Law in Massachusetts
- Federal Court Grants Emergency Relief Blocking USPS From Implementing Newly-Finalized Mail Ballot Rule For November Election
- 2026 Ballot Question Guidance for Local Leagues
- What is VOTE411?
- Membership Dues Information
VOTE411.org is a League of Women Voters’ project for “one-stop shop” trusted, reliable election-related information.
You can create personalized voting information by entering your address into the form at right or by visiting vote411.org. You’ll see upcoming elections in your district, candidate information, and candidate responses to questions curated by LWVMA’s VOTE411 Questions Subcommittee. This tool helps candidates share their positions directly with the voters they hope to represent.
At vote411.org/check-registration, you can check your voter registration to ensure you are an active and eligible voter. This is especially important if you have moved, changed your name, or did not vote in the last election.
After confirming your voter status, it’s time to vote! You can visit vote411.org/make-your-plan to find your polling location and explore what voting will look like on election day.
For Massachusetts rules on voting, online registration, and absentee ballots, visit vote411.org/massachusetts.
Election Day voting: Arlington polls will be open from 7AM to 8PM on Tuesday, September 1 for the 2026 Massachusetts Primary Election. To find your polling place and view your ballot, visit the Secretary of Massachusetts website here.
Early Voting for the Massachusetts Primary Election will be conducted in the Clerk’s Office on the 2nd floor of Town Hall during specific hours Saturday, August 22 through Friday, August 28. For early voting hours and sample ballots, visit the Town of Arlington’s website here.
Vote by mail applications have been mailed to registered Massachusetts voters. You can choose to cast your ballot for the Primary, General, or both 2026 Elections by mail, with no justification needed. Mail-in ballot applications must reach the Town Clerk’s office by 5PM on Tuesday, August 25 for the Primary Election.
Deadline for registering to vote in the Massachusetts Primary Election: August 22.
