GBIO Ballot Question Campaign 2026

Let’s Get Everyone Out to Vote!

Part of building power for our congregations, organizations and communities is staying informed and exercising our right to vote. See below for helpful information and GBIO’s positions on several questions that will be on the ballot in November.

These positions have been approved by GBIO’s Strategy Team (our board) in accordance with our values and previous campaign work.

Question 1: Public Records Requirements for Legislature and Governor’s Office

Action - Vote Yes

A “Yes” vote would make records held by the state legislature and the governor's office subject to the state's public records law.

  • Application of public records laws to the state legislature advances a state government transparency effort that includes: the State Auditor’s fight to audit the legislature and a change in the legislature’s stipend system that rewards loyalty to the leadership. State government transparency facilitates GBIO’s ability to pass meaningful legislation.

  • Gov. Maura Healy, State Auditor Diana DiZoglio, League of Women Voters of MA, Progressive MA, Act on Mass, MA Fiscal Alliance.

  • Senate President Karen Spilka.

Latest Polling Data: Aug 12, 2026 (+) 84%, (-) 7%, (?) 7%

More Information: Ballotpedia

Question 5: Change State Revenue Limit

Action - Vote No

A “No” vote opposes a change to the way tax revenue is calculated that would undercut the impact of the “millionaires tax” (approved by voters in 2022). (A “Yes” vote would significantly reduce the revenue the state could collect to provide essential services.)

  • MA residents rely on the state and municipalities to provide and support essential services such as schools, hospitals, nursing homes, police, fire depts, transit and other facilities. This initiative, if passed, would eliminate nearly 12% of state revenue on which all residents rely. This translates to $2B per year on average.

    Lower state revenue will make it
    more difficult for the legislature to pass GBIO funding priorities.

  • MA Competitive Partnership, MA Fiscal Alliance, MA High Technology Council, National Federation of Independent Business, Pioneer Institute, Retailers Association of MA.

  • Senate President Karen Spilka, 1199 SEIU, MA AFT, MTA, SEIU 609, SEIU MA State Council, League of Women Voters of MA, Progressive MA, MA Budget and Policy Center.

Latest Polling Data: Aug 12, 2026 (+) 59%, (-) 14%, (?) 16%

More Information: Ballotpedia, No On 5 Campaign

Question 9: Firearm Regulations

Action - Vote Yes

A “Yes” vote would uphold H.4885 that:

  • develops electronic registration to track gun ownership

  • prohibits assault-style firearms

  • requires safety certificates to obtain firearm permits

  • mandates firearm serial numbers

  • allows schools and healthcare provides to request court issued Extreme Risk Protection Orders

  • permits courts to order firearm surrender when issuing Harassment Prevention Orders.

  • This initiative fits well with GBIO’s longstanding support of gun violence prevention.

  • Gov. Maura Healey, State Rep. Michael Day, MA AFL-CIO, MA AFT, League of Women Voters of MA, MA Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, Progressive MA.

  • Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc.

Latest Polling Data: Aug 12, 2026 (+) 70%, (-) 22%, (?) 5%

More Information: Ballotpedia.

Question 7: Limit on Required Lot Size for Single-Family Homes

Action - Vote Yes

A “Yes” vote would impose zoning standards on cities and towns to allow single-family homes on residential lots at lower minimum size than what many cities and towns currently mandate.

  • This initiative would preempt local zoning laws that require 0.5-2.0 acre lots for building. It supports GBIO’s housing and home ownership campaigns in pushing for increased housing.

  • U.S. Rep. Jake Auchincloss, State Sen. James Eldridge, Abundant Housing MA, Charles River Regional Chamber, Greater Boston Real Estate Board, Home Builders & Remodelers Association of MA, League of Women Voters of MA, Massachusetts Association of REALTORS, Progressive MA.

  • Massachusetts Municipal Association.

Latest Polling Data: Aug 12, 2026 (+) 59%, (-) 21%, (?) 14%

More Information: Ballotpedia.