Massachusetts Ballot Questions

Election day, November 3, 2026

In Massachusetts, a citizen-initiated petition goes through a multi-step process involving signature collection, legislative review, and a final signature drive to be included on the November 2026 ballot. The key deadlines have mostly passed for the initial steps, with final approval contingent on the legislature's action in 2026.

You can see all filed initiative petitions and their status for the 2026 Ballot (proposed laws) and 2028 Ballot (proposed constitutional amendments) here.

2025-26 Ballot Question Timeline:

  • June 17, 2026: Last day to file petitions with local registrars for certification.

  • July 1, 2026: Last day to file certified petitions with the Secretary (first day is June 3, 2026). The 2026

  • Massachusetts Information for Voters booklet (commonly known as the "Red Book") is expected to be published and mailed to all households in September 2026

  • November 3, 2026: Election Day

More information provided by The Secretary of State for those who are interested in learning about the ballot process can be found here.

September 1, 2026 State Primaries

Voter Registration Deadline:
August 22

Vote by Mail Application Deadline:
5 p.m., August 25

Early Voting Period:
August 22-28

Election Day Polling Hours:
7 a.m. – 8 p.m.

November 3, 2026 State Election

Voter Registration Deadline:
October 24

Vote by Mail Application Deadline:
5 p.m., October 27

Early Voting Period:
October 17-30

Election Day Polling Hours:
7 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Offices on Ballot

  • U.S. Senator

  • U.S. Representative

  • Governor

  • Lieutenant Governor

  • Attorney General

  • Secretary of State

  • Treasurer

  • Auditor

  • Governor’s Councillor

  • State Senator

  • State Representative

  • District Attorney

  • Register of Probate

  • County Commissioner (certain counties only)

  • County Treasurer (certain counties only)

  • Sheriff (Franklin County – to fill vacancy)

Offices on Ballot

  • U.S. Senator

  • U.S. Representative

  • Governor and Lieutenant Governor

  • Attorney General

  • Secretary of State

  • Treasurer

  • Auditor

  • Governor’s Councillor

  • State Senator

  • State Representative

  • District Attorney

  • Register of Probate

  • County Commissioner (certain counties only)

  • County Treasurer (certain counties only)

  • Sheriff (Franklin County
    to fill vacancy)

  • Additional local offices
    (vary by community)