Massachusetts Voters Rethinking Party Primaries

A proposed overhaul of Massachusetts’ primary elections is gaining early support from voters.

A recent UMass Amherst/WCVB poll found that 51% of registered voters support replacing the state’s traditional party primaries with a nonpartisan open primary. Under the proposal, all candidates would appear on the same primary ballot, regardless of party affiliation, with the top two vote-getters advancing to the November election.

Supporters say the change could give voters more choices and create greater competition in a state where many legislative races attract little or no competition. The proposal could also give independent and unenrolled voters a larger role in deciding which candidates make it to the general election.

But opponents—including leaders and organizations from both major parties—warn that the system could weaken political parties, disadvantage third-party candidates, and give wealthy donors greater influence.