Bostonians will head to the polls on November 3, 2026, to vote in Massachusetts’ state general election. The ballot includes races for governor, U.S. Senate and other federal and state offices, along with nine statewide ballot questions covering everything from housing to the future of voter registration.
Who’s running in the November 3 election?
Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, both Democrats, face Republican challengers Michael Minogue and Shawn Oliver, as well as independent candidates Andrea James and Kayla Kittredge. Candidates for governor and lieutenant governor run together as a ticket.
In the U.S. Senate race, Democratic incumbent Ed Markey faces Republican John Deaton, independent Shiva Ayyadurai and Socialism and Liberation candidate Joe Tache. Voters will also choose Massachusetts’ attorney general, secretary of the Commonwealth, treasurer and auditor.
Congressional candidates vary by address. In the 7th District, Democrat Ayanna Pressley is running unopposed. In the 8th District, Democrat Stephen Lynch faces Republican Robert Burke and independent Rasheed Nicholas Walters. State Senate and state House races also depend on where you live.
What are the nine ballot questions?
Massachusetts voters will weigh in on nine statewide proposals. Here’s a quick overview of what each question addresses:
- Question 1: Public access to records held by the governor’s office and Legislature.
- Question 2: Union and collective bargaining rights for public defender agency employees.
- Question 3: Replacing separate party primaries with an all-party primary, with the top two candidates advancing.
- Question 4: Allowing Election Day voter registration beginning in 2028.
- Question 5: Changing the state revenue cap and how excess revenue triggers taxpayer refunds.
- Question 6: Funding conservation, parks, trails and outdoor access through a “Nature for All Fund.”
- Question 7: Allowing single-family homes on qualifying residential lots of at least 5,000 square feet.
- Question 8: Ending legal adult-use recreational marijuana retail sales and changing possession rules, while preserving medical marijuana regulation.
- Question 9: Keeping or repealing an existing firearms law. A yes vote keeps the law; a no vote repeals it.
Read the city’s official ballot-question guide for the full explanations before voting.
How to check your voter registration
The voter registration deadline is Saturday, October 24. Online registration closes at 11:59 p.m., while in-person registration at Boston City Hall closes at 5 p.m.
Check your Massachusetts voter registration status here. You’ll need your name, date of birth and residential ZIP code.
Where to find your polling location
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. You must vote at your assigned polling place—not simply whichever location is closest to you.
Find your assigned polling location here by entering your residential address.
Can you vote early or by mail?
Boston’s early in-person voting runs October 17–30, and registered Boston voters can cast their ballots at any city early-voting location. Vote-by-mail applications must arrive by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, October 27.
