<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/massachusetts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Massachusetts</a> Republicans may have an opportunity to win House seats under a proposed voting change that is being considered for the November 3 ballot.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Massachusetts GOP has struggled in a state dominated by Democratic voters, exemplified by President <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/donald-trump/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Donald Trump</a>'s loss to Democratic candidate <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/kamala-harris/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kamala Harris</a> in 2024, where he received 36% of the vote compared to Harris's 61%.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The proposed change, known as <a href="https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/research-and-statistics/2026-ballot-questions.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Question 3</a>, would replace the traditional party primaries with an all-party, top-two system, similar to the one used in California. This system would allow all candidates to appear on a single primary ballot, regardless of party affiliation, with the top two candidates advancing to the general election.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img alt="Massachusetts’ Question 3 ballot measure would put every candidate on a single primary ballot, regardless of party affiliation, with the top two vote-getters advancing to the November general election. That is, if the ballot measure passes on Nov 3. (Charles Krupa/AP)" class="wp-image-4751394" height="658" src="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/WB.Campaign.100726.jpg?w=696" style="width: 909px; height: auto;" width="1024" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Massachusetts’ Question 3 ballot measure would put every candidate on a single primary ballot, regardless of party affiliation, with the top two vote-getters advancing to the November general election. That is, if the ballot measure passes on Nov 3. (Charles Krupa/AP)</figcaption></figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Supporters of Question 3 argue that it would increase competition in elections that they believe have become too predictable. Jesse Littlewood, campaign manager for the Coalition for Healthy Democracy, stated, "Many people in Massachusetts feel that the political system isn’t working... because of the structure of how they get elected."</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Opponents, including the Massachusetts Democratic Party and various unions, contend that the proposal may lead to increased campaign costs, weaken party organizations, and amplify the influence of wealthy donors.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Historically, Massachusetts Republicans have faced challenges in House races, with the last two Republican representatives losing their seats in 1996. Currently, in the 2024 election cycle, seven out of nine House districts have no Republican candidates opposing incumbent Democrats.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">If implemented, the top-two system could allow Republicans to win seats by strategically placing two candidates in districts with multiple Democratic candidates. This scenario has been observed in California, where a similar system has been in place since 2010.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">California's experience with the top-two primary system has revealed both advantages and challenges. While it was designed to increase competition, some Democrats in California have expressed concerns about its effectiveness, citing instances where the system led to unexpected outcomes.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Supporters of Question 3 in Massachusetts, including several mayors, believe that the proposed system would enhance voter participation and accountability. However, critics warn that the dynamics of statewide races differ significantly from local elections.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The debate surrounding Question 3 raises questions about political representation and the influence of various voter demographics in the electoral process.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em>Barnini Chakraborty (@Barnini) is a senior political reporter at the</em> Washington Examiner<em>.</em></p>