2026 Ballot Question 9: Firearms Regulation

Question 9:  Do you approve of a law summarized below, which was approved by the House of Representatives on July 18, 2024 by a vote of 124 to 33, and approved by the Senate on July 18, 2024 by a vote of 35 to 5?

SUMMARY

As required by law, summaries are written by the State Attorney General.

This law makes a number of changes to Massachusetts laws governing firearms.

The law adds school administrators and licensed healthcare providers as parties permitted to ask a court to issue an Extreme Risk Protection Order – requiring an individual to surrender or relinquish their firearm licenses, permits, and firearms - if an individual is a present danger to self or others. The law also provides that, when issuing a Harassment Prevention Order, a court may also order the surrender of firearms licenses, permits, and firearms.

The law imposes penalties for possessing, creating, and transferring untraceable "ghost gun" firearms and requires all firearms except antiques and relics, including unfinished frames and receivers that can be readily made into a finished product, to have serial numbers. The law includes privately-made guns like 3D-printed guns within the provisions governing untraceable "ghost gun" firearms.

The law changes firearms licensing requirements to: (1) allow local licensing authorities to request prior license and permit information from the state, as well as access petitions for involuntary mental health commitments denied by a court in addition to prior involuntary commitments, as a part of their review of applications for licenses to carry firearms, firearm ID cards, and licenses to sell firearms; (2) require an individual to be 21 years of age to own semiautomatic rifles or shotguns; (3) add the possibility of incarceration of up to six months for a second offense of failing to report a firearm loss or theft; and (4) enable 12-15 year olds to apply for a self-defense spray permit with parental permission, and 15 to 18 year olds to apply independently.

The law allows local firearm licensing authorities to transfer the responsibility to inspect firearm dealers to the State Police. The law requires local licensing authorities to attend statewide training regarding those inspections. It requires dealers to confiscate expired or suspended licenses and report them to the state and to local licensing authorities.

The law changes the definition of "machine gun" to include bump stocks, trigger cranks, Glock switches and auto sears among the devices whose possession and use are subject to penalties. It expands the definition of "silencer" to include the parts used to construct a silencer.

The law clarifies how to determine whether a firearm is an assault-style weapon and the circumstances under which a person may continue to possess assault-style weapons and large capacity feeding devices they already own.

The law requires the state Firearm Control Advisory Board and the state Secretary of Public Safety and Security to review and update the rosters of prohibited assault-style firearms, approved firearms, and approved firearms sold for target shooting.

The law clarifies requirements relating to the carry and transport of firearms in motor vehicles and ATVs. It prohibits the carrying of firearms in government buildings, polling locations, and schools, with certain exceptions.

The law expands data compilation and reporting requirements to and from the state, and creates a publicly-accessible dashboard of anonymized aggregate firearm data, along with a commission to study that data.

The law requires the State Police to provide training and a test for new applicants for licenses to carry or Firearm ID cards.

The law establishes two special legislative commissions – one to examine funding for violence prevention services, and one to study emerging firearms technology.

The law criminalizes discharging a firearm and striking a building in use.

WHAT YOUR VOTE WILL DO

As required by law, the statements describing the effect of a "yes" or "no" vote are written jointly by the State Attorney General and the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

A YES VOTE would keep in place the law, which increases the regulation of firearms, including ghost guns, machine guns, and assault-style weapons.

A NO VOTE would repeal this law.

STATEMENT OF FISCAL CONSEQUENCES

As required by law, statements of fiscal consequences are written by the Executive Office of Administration and Finance.

Since the passage of this safety law in 2024, the Commonwealth has made significant investments to implement the law including training employees, promulgating new gun licensure processes, and developing IT infrastructure. Repealing the law would require the Commonwealth to expend resources in suspending or re-directing those investments.

Additional info - https://ma.omniballot.us/sites/25/vg/app/vig/voter-guide/info/18

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via Dan Kennedy:

https://commonwealthbeacon.org/ballot-question/

"Three local news outlets — CommonWealth Beacon, The Bay State Banner and El Planeta — unveil a detailed guide to this fall's state ballot questions. 

It's freely available for republication online and in print."   https://commonwealthbeacon.org/ballot-question/

Reminder: Detailed guide to this fall's state ballot questions

via Dan Kennedy:

https://commonwealthbeacon.org/ballot-question/

"Three local news outlets — CommonWealth Beacon, The Bay State Banner and El Planeta — unveil a detailed guide to this fall's state ballot questions. 

It's freely available for republication online and in print."   https://commonwealthbeacon.org/ballot-question/

The Secretary of the CommonWealth has also publshed the "Red Book"

https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/research-and-statistics/2026-ballot-questions.htm

2026 Ballot Question 8: Prohibit Retail Sale of Adult Recreational Use Marijuana

Question 8: Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House of Representatives before May 6, 2026?

SUMMARY

As required by law, summaries are written by the State Attorney General.

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. The proposed law would also permit persons 21 years of age and older to possess 1 ounce or less of marijuana including no more than 5 grams in the form of concentrate, and to gift or transfer to another person 21 years of age and older 1 ounce or less of marijuana including no more than 5 grams in the form of concentrate. The proposed law would also impose a civil penalty of $100 and forfeiture of the marijuana for the possession of marijuana between the weight of 1 and 2 ounces.

For persons 21 years of age and younger, the proposed law would make the possession of 2 ounces or less of marijuana a civil infraction subject to a $100 fine, forfeiture of the marijuana, completion of a drug awareness program and community service, and notification to their parents or legal guardian of the offense and penalties.

The proposed law would allow currently licensed adult recreational marijuana businesses to apply on an expedited basis to become a licensed medical marijuana dispensary and to sell their remaining inventory of adult recreational marijuana to medical marijuana dispensaries. The proposed law would retain the Cannabis Control Commission but modify its authority so it would regulate only the medical marijuana market.

The proposed law states that, if any of its parts were declared invalid, the other parts would stay in effect.

The proposed law would take effect on January 1, 2028.

WHAT YOUR VOTE WILL DO

As required by law, the statements describing the effect of a "yes" or "no" vote are written jointly by the State Attorney General and the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

A YES VOTE would prohibit the legalization, regulation, and taxation of the retail sale of adult recreational use marijuana, and change the penalties for possession of marijuana.

A NO VOTE would make no change to the law relative to marijuana.

STATEMENT OF FISCAL CONSEQUENCES

As required by law, statements of fiscal consequences are written by the Executive Office of Administration and Finance.

By repealing the laws that legalize and tax the retail sale of adult recreational use marijuana, the proposed law would reduce the amount that state and municipal governments receive from the taxation of those sales. In fiscal year 2025, taxation of the retail sale of adult recreational use marijuana raised approximately $280 million in state revenue and $50 million in local revenue. The state budget, which is supported by tax revenue, funds local aid for schools and municipal budgets.

Additional info - https://ma.omniballot.us/sites/25/vg/app/vig/voter-guide/info/17

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via Dan Kennedy:

https://commonwealthbeacon.org/ballot-question/

"Three local news outlets — CommonWealth Beacon, The Bay State Banner and El Planeta — unveil a detailed guide to this fall's state ballot questions. 

It's freely available for republication online and in print."   https://commonwealthbeacon.org/ballot-question/

Mass ballot questions primer via Senator Becca Rausch

Via Senator Becca Rausch:  

"There are a lot of ballot questions coming before voters this year. I put together a primer for you: "

Link to ballot questions primer https://www.beccarauschma.com/ballotquestions26

2026 Ballot Question 7: Single Family Homes

Question 7: Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House of Representatives before May 6, 2026?

SUMMARY

As required by law, summaries are written by the State Attorney General.

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.

The proposed law would allow cities and towns to reasonably regulate certain aspects of those single-family homes, including their height, distance from neighboring buildings, open space, parking requirements, and whether they can be rented out on a short-term basis. The proposed law would also allow the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to issue guidance or regulations to administer the proposed law.

WHAT YOUR VOTE WILL DO

As required by law, the statements describing the effect of a "yes" or "no" vote are written jointly by the State Attorney General and the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

A YES VOTE would allow single-family homes to be built on lots of 5,000 square feet or more in residential areas, subject to reasonable local regulation of certain aspects of those homes.

A NO VOTE would make no change to the law relative to building single-family homes.

STATEMENT OF FISCAL CONSEQUENCES

As required by law, statements of fiscal consequences are written by the Executive Office of Administration and Finance.

If the proposed law enables the growth of housing in communities, it could provide positive new growth revenues to municipalities. However, it is difficult to project the potential scale of new growth tied to the proposed law. The proposed law thus has no discernible material fiscal consequences for state and municipal government finances.

Additonal info - https://ma.omniballot.us/sites/25/vg/app/vig/voter-guide/info/16

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via Dan Kennedy:

https://commonwealthbeacon.org/ballot-question/

"Three local news outlets — CommonWealth Beacon, The Bay State Banner and El Planeta — unveil a detailed guide to this fall's state ballot questions. 

It's freely available for republication online and in print."   https://commonwealthbeacon.org/ballot-question/

2026 Ballot Question 6: Natural Resource Conservation Fund

Question 6: Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House of Representatives before May 6, 2026?

SUMMARY

As required by law, summaries are written by the State Attorney General.

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. After July 1, 2028, the Nature for All Fund would begin receiving, subject to appropriation by the Legislature, 100% of state taxes collected on the sale and use of sporting goods, recreational vehicles, and golf courses. The sales tax revenue received by the Nature for All Fund would exclude sales tax revenue transferred to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority State and Local Contribution Fund and the School Modernization and Reconstruction Trust Fund. The proposed law would allow the state Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to spend the money in the Nature for All Fund for natural resource conservation.

The proposed law would allow public and private donations to the Nature for All Fund. The proposed law would prevent the state comptroller from transferring surplus funds in the Nature for All Fund at the end of the fiscal year. It would also allow state agencies, municipalities, public charities involved in natural resource conservation, tribal governments, and other regional public entities to receive money from the Nature for All Fund.

Natural resource conservation would include the conservation or restoration of land to protect drinking water, streams, rivers, lakes, coasts, farms, forests, connectivity between open spaces, and lands and natural resources of indigenous cultural significance. Natural resource conservation would also include the creation, improvement, and management of parks, trails, greenspaces or outdoor recreation access.

The proposed law would establish a 15-member Nature for All Board that consists of five state officials and ten members of the public appointed by the Governor. The proposed law would require the ten members of the public to include representatives of underserved communities and indigenous peoples and at least one person with expertise or experience in natural resource conservation. The proposed law would allow the state Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to spend money from the Nature for All Fund to hire staff to manage the fund. The proposed law would also require the Nature for All Board to establish rules about how the money in the Nature for All Fund should be spent, including rules regarding alignment with environmental justice principles, access to and restoration of lands and natural resources of indigenous cultural significance, promotion of affordable housing development, and other matters regarding spending and bond issuance.

The proposed law would require the state Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to submit an annual report to various state committees regarding the funds spent to buy or improve land in cities and towns containing environmental justice populations.

The proposed law would take effect on July 1, 2027.

WHAT YOUR VOTE WILL DO

As required by law, the statements describing the effect of a "yes" or "no" vote are written jointly by the State Attorney General and the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

A YES VOTE would create a fund that could be utilized for natural resource conservation that would receive some state taxes collected on the sale and use of sporting goods and recreational vehicles, and the use of golf courses.

A NO VOTE would not create this natural resource conservation fund or change how sales and use taxes are spent.

STATEMENT OF FISCAL CONSEQUENCES

As required by law, statements of fiscal consequences are written by the Executive Office of Administration and Finance.

The proposed law would have a significant impact on state and local budgets. While a full fiscal analysis is not feasible, it is estimated that, on an annual basis, the proposed law would automatically divert tens of millions of dollars of tax receipts that are currently supporting the state operating budget to the new fund. This proposed law would also have substantial implementation costs.

Additional info - https://ma.omniballot.us/sites/25/vg/app/vig/voter-guide/info/15

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via Dan Kennedy:

https://commonwealthbeacon.org/ballot-question/

"Three local news outlets — CommonWealth Beacon, The Bay State Banner and El Planeta — unveil a detailed guide to this fall's state ballot questions. 

It's freely available for republication online and in print."   https://commonwealthbeacon.org/ballot-question/

2026 Ballot Question 5: State Revenue Limit & Rebate

Question 5: Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House of Representatives before May 6, 2026?

SUMMARY

As required by law, summaries are written by the State Attorney General.

This proposed law would change the limit on how much revenue the state can collect in a given year. The proposal would limit state revenue in a given year to the net amount of state revenue from the year before, increased by a rate equal to the average growth of wages and salaries in Massachusetts over the most recent three years. If revenue collected by the state in a given year exceeds the limit, the excess amount would be refunded to taxpayers the following year. The proposed law would include all revenue from the surtax on incomes over $1 million when calculating the revenue limit and when determining whether state revenue exceeds the limit.

The provisions of the proposed law would all be effective as of July 1, 2027.

The proposed law states that, if any of its parts were declared invalid, the other parts would stay in effect.

WHAT YOUR VOTE WILL DO

As required by law, the statements describing the effect of a "yes" or "no" vote are written jointly by the State Attorney General and the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

A YES VOTE would change the limit on state revenue collection, tying it to prior year collections plus average wage and salary growth, and provide for a rebate of revenue exceeding that limit.

A NO VOTE would make no change in the law relative to state revenue collection.

STATEMENT OF FISCAL CONSEQUENCES

As required by law, statements of fiscal consequences are written by the Executive Office of Administration and Finance.

The proposed law would put stricter limits on allowable annual revenue growth available for budgeting. As a result, the proposal would reduce the amount of money available to support the state budget, which includes local aid for schools and municipal budgets. The proposal would also reduce the amounts available to build the state's Stabilization, or "rainy day," Fund – a reserve of money set aside to help Massachusetts manage economic downturns or emergencies without raising taxes or making major spending cuts. Depending on future conditions, the proposal could change the frequency of statutorily-required refunds to taxpayers.

Additional info - https://ma.omniballot.us/sites/25/vg/app/vig/voter-guide/info/14

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via Dan Kennedy:

https://commonwealthbeacon.org/ballot-question/

"Three local news outlets — CommonWealth Beacon, The Bay State Banner and El Planeta — unveil a detailed guide to this fall's state ballot questions. 

It's freely available for republication online and in print."   https://commonwealthbeacon.org/ballot-question/

2026 Ballot Question 4: Election Day Registration

Question 4: Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House of Representatives before May 6, 2026?

SUMMARY

As required by law, summaries are written by the State Attorney General.

This proposed law would permit eligible individuals to register to vote or update their voter registration address on Election Day.

An individual who is eligible to vote could register to vote on Election Day by going to the polling place in the precinct where they live during voting hours and presenting proof of residency and signing a written oath. Proof of residency could be a valid photo identification, or documentation showing the individual's name and the address where the individual resides, such as a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, residential lease, wireless telephone statement, paycheck, current student fee statement or other document from a post-secondary school, or another government document or correspondence. The written oath would require the individual to certify that they are a citizen of the United States, are at least 18 years old, are not legally prohibited from voting, and have not and will not vote in the same election at another location. The oath would require the individual to acknowledge that providing false information is a felony punishable by not more than 5 years imprisonment or a fine of not more than $10,000, or both.

If an individual did not present proof of residency, they would be allowed to cast a provisional ballot, which would be counted only if the individual returned to provide the required information before the close of polls for a municipal election; within two days after a state primary; or within six days after a state election.

Individuals who register to vote on Election Day would be registered to vote in future elections as well as in the election taking place that day.

Individuals who are already registered to vote would not be able to change their political party affiliation on Election Day.

The proposed law would take effect on January 1, 2028.

WHAT YOUR VOTE WILL DO

As required by law, the statements describing the effect of a "yes" or "no" vote are written jointly by the State Attorney General and the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

A YES VOTE would permit eligible citizens to register to vote or to update their voter registration address at their polling place on Election Day.

A NO VOTE would make no change to the laws governing voter registration.

STATEMENT OF FISCAL CONSEQUENCES

As required by law, statements of fiscal consequences are written by the Executive Office of Administration and Finance.

The proposed law has no discernible material fiscal consequences for state and municipal government finances.

Additional info - https://ma.omniballot.us/sites/25/vg/app/vig/voter-guide/info/13

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via Dan Kennedy:

https://commonwealthbeacon.org/ballot-question/

"Three local news outlets — CommonWealth Beacon, The Bay State Banner and El Planeta — unveil a detailed guide to this fall's state ballot questions. 

It's freely available for republication online and in print."   https://commonwealthbeacon.org/ballot-question/

2026 Ballot Question 3: State Primary Elections

Question 3: Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House of Representatives before May 6, 2026?

SUMMARY

As required by law, summaries are written by the State Attorney General.

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.

This proposed law would require candidates for governor and lieutenant governor to run and be listed jointly on the ballot in the primary.

This proposed law would provide political party status to any group whose candidates for any statewide office received at least 3% of the ballots cast in the state primary.

WHAT YOUR VOTE WILL DO

As required by law, the statements describing the effect of a "yes" or "no" vote are written jointly by the State Attorney General and the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

A YES VOTE would eliminate separate party primaries for state elections and require a single primary in which all candidates appear on one ballot, voters could vote for any candidate, and the top two candidates would advance to the general election.

A NO VOTE would make no change to the laws governing primary elections.

STATEMENT OF FISCAL CONSEQUENCES

As required by law, statements of fiscal consequences are written by the Executive Office of Administration and Finance.

The proposed law has no discernible material fiscal consequences for state and municipal government finances

Additional info - https://ma.omniballot.us/sites/25/vg/app/vig/voter-guide/info/12

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via Dan Kennedy:

https://commonwealthbeacon.org/ballot-question/

"Three local news outlets — CommonWealth Beacon, The Bay State Banner and El Planeta — unveil a detailed guide to this fall's state ballot questions. 

It's freely available for republication online and in print."   https://commonwealthbeacon.org/ballot-question/

2026 Ballot Question 2: Collective Bargaining for Committee for Public Counsel Services ("CPCS") Employees

Question 2: Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House of Representatives before May 6, 2026?

SUMMARY

As required by law, summaries are written by the State Attorney General.

This proposed law would specify that employees of the Committee for Public Counsel Services ("CPCS") are permitted to engage in collective bargaining with their employer. It would also require CPCS, after executing a collective bargaining agreement, to request the appropriation necessary to fund such agreement from the Governor.

WHAT YOUR VOTE WILL DO

As required by law, the statements describing the effect of a "yes" or "no" vote are written jointly by the State Attorney General and the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

A YES VOTE would specify that Committee for Public Counsel Services employees may form a union to collectively bargain with their employer.

A NO VOTE would make no change to the law governing labor relations for Committee for Public Counsel Service employees.

STATEMENT OF FISCAL CONSEQUENCES

As required by law, statements of fiscal consequences are written by the Executive Office of Administration and Finance.

The proposed law may have an impact on state finances. CPCS receives its funding, in part, from state government appropriations. The fiscal impact of the proposed law is difficult to project due to the uncertainty regarding the outcomes of any such collective bargaining by CPCS employees.

Additional info - https://ma.omniballot.us/sites/25/vg/app/vig/voter-guide/info/11

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via Dan Kennedy:

https://commonwealthbeacon.org/ballot-question/

"Three local news outlets — CommonWealth Beacon, The Bay State Banner and El Planeta — unveil a detailed guide to this fall's state ballot questions. 

It's freely available for republication online and in print."   https://commonwealthbeacon.org/ballot-question/

2026 Ballot Question 1: Expanding the Pubic Records law

Question 1: Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House of Representatives before May 6, 2026?

Summary

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. This proposed law would exempt documents related to the development of public policy and communications between legislators and their constituents, if those communications are reasonably related to a constituent’s request for assistance in obtaining government-provided benefits or services or interacting with a government agency.

A YES VOTE would make most records held by the Legislature and the Office of the Governor public records under the Massachusetts Public Records Law.

A NO VOTE would make no change to the Massachusetts Public Records Law.

STATEMENT OF FISCAL CONSEQUENCES

As required by law, statements of fiscal consequences are written by the Executive Office of Administration and Finance.

The proposed law has no discernible material fiscal consequences for state and municipal government finances.

Additional details from the "Red Book" - https://ma.omniballot.us/sites/25/vg/app/vig/voter-guide/info/10

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via Dan Kennedy:

https://commonwealthbeacon.org/ballot-question/

"Three local news outlets — CommonWealth Beacon, The Bay State Banner and El Planeta — unveil a detailed guide to this fall's state ballot questions. 

It's freely available for republication online and in print."   https://commonwealthbeacon.org/ballot-question/

Detailed guide to this fall's state ballot questions

via Dan Kennedy:

https://commonwealthbeacon.org/ballot-question/

"Three local news outlets — CommonWealth Beacon, The Bay State Banner and El Planeta — unveil a detailed guide to this fall's state ballot questions. 

It's freely available for republication online and in print."   https://commonwealthbeacon.org/ballot-question/

The Secretary of the CommonWealth has also publshed the "Red Book"

https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/research-and-statistics/2026-ballot-questions.htm

Boston Globe: "Who's funding the sides for each Mass. ballot question?"

via Boston Globe:

"This fall, Massachusetts voters will be asked to weigh in on a record-tying nine statewide ballot questions, the most since 1994.⁠
⁠
The high number of questions has the potential to draw a lot of cash as committees spearheading efforts to pass or reject the ballot initiatives make their pitches to voters. Already, the various races have drawn millions.⁠
⁠
Click on the link in our bio for an in-depth look at who is funding each ballot question and how each side is faring in the money race. ⁠
⁠
Data include contributions made since Jan. 1, 2025, and exclude in-kind contributions. Some committees are supporting multiple ballot questions."

Read more about the funding behind the questions https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/09/14/storylab/massachusetts-ballot-questions-campaign-finance-reports/

Boston Globe: "Ballot stuffer: Mass. officials say record-tying nine questions slated to go before voters in November"

"Massachusetts voters, get ready for a record number of choices this November.

Secretary of State William F. Galvin’s office on Friday said nine ballot questions are certified to appear on this fall’s general election ballot, which would match the single-year high last set in 1994.

Proponents for eight proposals turned in enough signatures ahead of a July deadline, and a referendum to repeal a major state firearms law had previously met the requirements to make the ballot.

The fate of one ballot question is technically still up in the air. Opponents of a measure to repeal the state’s legalization of recreational cannabis have challenged signatures turned in by the petition’s supporters. A state panel is expected to issue a decision on the challenge by Wednesday, a spokesperson for Galvin’s office said."

Continue reading the article - https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/07/17/metro/massachusetts-ballot-questions-certified-galvin/?s_campaign=sharetool_copypaste_view

June 3 Override Special Election: Specimen Ballot & Early Voting Schedule

June 3 Override Special Election: Specimen Ballot

June 3 Override Special Election:  Early Voting Schedule

The FY 2026 budget page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=500

The FY 2026 Override info for the June 3 vote -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/1089/Fiscal-Year-2026-Override-Information

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/1054/News-and-Announcements

Voting in Franklin, MA

The "storymap" tool has been used by our Franklin Town Clerk Nancy Danello to put together in one place, all the information you need to know on how to register to vote, get vote by mail info, etc.

Follow the link here to get to the storymap, or from the Town Clerk's page scroll down to find this image and click to follow

https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/a918db0bdde342c6bad06bde09a3862a

Voting in Franklin, MA

Franklin Town Council sets June 3 for date of Override vote on $3,862,672 to balance FY 2026 budget

The Franklin Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, March 19 in Council Chambers. 8 of the 9 members were present and participating, 1 absent (Dellorco - due todeath in family).

Franklin TV video for replay of meeting -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoNPkBHRLzI

The agenda doc released for the meeting ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03192025-1639 

Quick recap

• after approval of 2 prior meeting minutes, the Council get to the key item and after a brief discussion took two votes;
• one to approve the amount and ballot question text
• the second to set the date, Tuesday, June 3, 2025 for the override
• both votes were 8-0-1 (1 absent)
• The School Committee had met earlier that evening and voted unanimously to support the override vote. Chair Dave Callaghan and Vice-Chair David McNeill stood up to make that announcement during the discussion
• Other legislation for action on the minimum item agenda for the evening; 2 items to extend the sewer and water lines to a new residence that had already been approved in the first vote both received the passing vote by the same 8-0-1 vote (1 absent) via roll call
• A resolution accepting gifts to the Veterans services was approved and thanks extended
• Town Administrator's Report
• Jamie acknowledged receipt of a letter from Archbishop Henning commending the work of the Fire Dept on the St Mary's Church fire. He had just recently attended the re-opening masses. The letter will be posted to the Town pages
• The lease for Town use of the Ferrara's parking lot was signed to extend the agreement for 5 years
• The final approvals on the deed and associated documents for the Old South Church were completed and to be handed over to Habitat for Humanity so the docs can be filed with the Registrar of Deeds, and work can begin to renovate the building for a residence
• After a round of Councilor comments, the meeting closed

My full set of notes taken during the meeting (in one PDF) -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TPEkxHcViPCNwOGHmiydPVt1rGW5Xy05/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin TV video for replay of meeting -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoNPkBHRLzI

Proposition 2 ½ Override Ballot Question for FY 2026 Town & School budget

March 14, 2025

To: Town Council

From:  Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator

Amy Frigulietti, Deputy Town Administrator

Re: Resolution 25-15: Proposition 2 ½ Override Ballot Question Resolution 25-16: Setting Date of Proposition 2 ½ Override Ballot

Before the Council this evening are two resolutions relative to an override. The first resolution establishes the date of a special override election. The second establishes the exact question that will be on the ballot.

Beginning in January, the Joint Budget Subcommittee (JBSC), consisting of four members of Town Council, three members of the School Committee, and four members of the Finance Committee, along with the Town Administrator and Superintendent, held a series of six public listening sessions in various locations across town. The objective of these sessions was to give residents multiple opportunities to share opinions, ask questions and gain a better understanding of how the Town’s budget deficit will impact Town services, School services and resident taxes in FY26 and beyond, both with and without an override. The response to these sessions was overwhelmingly positive with many new and familiar faces in attendance and a tremendous amount of valuable information shared. We truly appreciate the questions and feedback and hope this community engagement continues to grow!

At the final JBSC listening session on March 12th, the Committee voted, 9-1 (with one member absent) to recommend the following:

1) That the Town Council vote to put forth a $3,862,672 override ballot question to the registered voters of the Town of Franklin with the following ballot question language - "Shall the Town of Franklin be allowed to assess an additional $3,862,672 in real estate and personal property taxes for the purpose of the municipal and school operating budgets for which monies from this assessment will be used for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025". 

2) That the Town Council vote to place the proposed override ballot question before the residents for a vote at a Special Town Election on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.

For more information please visit the FY26 Budget page on our website. Assuming the Town Council approves a ballot question and date for the special election, the Town will upload a dedicated override website with legally allowable information.

Please let us know if you have any questions.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4746/9a--25-15-and-25-16---Override-Date-and-Question

Proposition 2 ½ Override Ballot Question for FY 2026 Town & School budget

Franklin, MA voters: cast your ballots in person at Franklin High School. Pools opened at 6 AM, will close at 8 PM

Voting today opened at 6 AM at Franklin High School. Voting closes at 8 PM. 

In case you need info to prepare to cast an informed ballot for the MA election opportunities we have, this is the place.

The 2024 Election Collection of posts with information on the candidates for State Representative, Senator, Governor's Council District 2, etc. 

We do exclude coverage of the Presidential election campaigns to focus on the local information for Franklin, MA voters. 

Most recent posts on top, scroll down for earlier posts ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/08/election-collection-2024.html

We'll share the unofficial results as soon as they are released by Franklin's Town Clerk Nancy Danello.

Franklin, MA voters: cast your ballots in person at Franklin High School. Pools opened at 6 AM, will close at 8 PM