Supporting the coalition that’s creating truly competitive elections and accountable government in the Bay State
Visit Campaign SiteMassachusetts ranks 2nd to last in the nation in legislative competitiveness with 90% of primary elections and 64% of general elections completed uncontested – only one name or less on the ballot. Many legislators have faced no challengers for years. In this context elected officials focus on insider power dynamics not the needs and concerns of voters. When elections aren't competitive, politicians stop listening.
The All-Party Primary means all candidates appear on one ballot. Instead of separate party primaries, every voter chooses from among all candidates in the primary, and the top two finishers advance to the November general election, regardless of party. Every incumbent has to earn reelection by appealing to all voters, not just to party insiders. This reform shifts the deciding election from a low turnout party primary to a higher turnout. Researchers find that change can reduce polarization and increase incentives to solve problems.
#1. Yes-on-3 is endorsed by the Boston Globe, former Governors Charlie Baker and Deval Patrick, former Rep. Joe Kennedy, and a large bipartisan group of officials and civic organization. (See the full list linked below.)
#2. No-on-3 voters are unknowingly aligning with Elon Musk, who spent $1.5m to overturn Alaska's version of Question 3, and Donald Trump who dismantled Louisiana’s version so he could oust Senator Bill Cassidy.
#3. The MA legislature has a 99% re-election rate, and legislators see no consequences when they blatantly ignore the voters.
#4. MA ranks 2nd to last in the country in legislative competitiveness. States using the All-Party Primary have a much higher rate of contested elections, and higher, more diverse primary turnout. California, using this system, ranks first in competitiveness.
#5. Polling in CA and WA shows large majorities like the all-party primary (or "Top 2" as it's called there).
#6. In part because of this voting system, California’s legislature is 49% women and 57% people of color. Compare that with MA: 30% women and 17% people of color.
#7. Yes on 3 enables ranked choice voting in MA. If this wins, an Alaska-style top-4 system becomes legally possible, and supporters can endorse pro-RCV candidates on the ballot, pushing Beacon Hill to finally move forward on RCV home-rule petitions.
#8. Question 3 will make the higher turnout general election the deciding election for most races, not the low-turnout party primary. Researchers find that change reduces polarization.
#9. Legislators using this system say it increases incentives to solve problems; which likely explains why states using it experience better social and economic outcomes for their citizens.
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Election day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. across Massachusetts.
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All-party primaries are a proven institutional reform that can increase competition, broaden participation, improve representation, and reduce the outsized influence of narrow electorates and ideological donors
ERN Executive Director Kevin Johnson spoke in favor of an effort to adopt all-party primaries in Massachusetts.
Insider politics shouldn't block reform to our dysfunctional primary system
ERN is a proud member of Massachusetts ’ Yes on 3 campaign,which is led by ORG NAME. Our grassroots advocacy for the measure is organized by Election Reform Now, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization.
