Massachusetts voters decide on Nov. 3 whether to replace separate party primaries for state elections with one primary in which all candidates compete and the top two advance.
Under Question 3, voters could choose any candidate on that ballot, regardless of party. The two highest vote-getters would appear in the general election, including when both belong to the same party.
The official voter guide says the proposal would also make governor and lieutenant governor candidates run jointly in the primary. It would also give political party status to any group whose candidate for a statewide office receives at least 3% of ballots cast in the state primary. A no vote would keep existing primary laws.
Supporter Danielle Allen, writing for the Coalition for Healthy Democracy, argues the change would make elections more competitive and officials more accountable. Opponent Vanessa A. Snow, writing for Voter Rights MA, argues it would favor wealthy, self-funded candidates and keep third-party and independent candidates off the general election ballot.
The state fiscal statement identifies no discernible material effect on state and municipal finances.