Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley was among the speakers at the 'Vote No On Question 3' rally. Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — A rally was held on Tuesday outside the John F. Kennedy Federal Building opposing this November's ballot question #3.
A 'yes' vote would eliminate political party primaries for state elections.
Instead, there would be a single, all-party primary.
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.
A 'no' vote would make no change to the law.
Tuesday's rally was made up of elected officials, community leaders, and labor representatives.
Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley was one of the elected officials urging a 'no' vote on Question 3. "Voters can make up a clear majority of the electorate and still be shut out of the November ballot because their votes are split amongst candidates of the same party," she said.
Also speaking at the rally in support of voting no on #3 was Democratic State Senator Liz Miranda.
She said wealthy donors have been pouring millions of dollars into supporting this ballot question. "We should be getting big money out of politics," she said.
Question 3 supporters issued this statement:
Question 3 is backed by a strong, diverse movement that reaches every corner of Massachusetts, and we're incredibly proud of it. Governors Deval Patrick and Charlie Baker, Auditor Diana DiZoglio, the NAACP New England Area Conference, Western Mass Building Trades, mayors, sheriffs, legislators, and faith leaders from Western Mass to the Cape. They’ve seen how Beacon Hill works, and how often it doesn’t. The opposition? Both political parties and insiders, who prefer a system where politicians never have to compete and where most people have their votes taken for granted. When politicians don’t have to compete, they don’t have to listen. We deserve better. On November 3, voters can change that.
Election day is Nov. 3.
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojas.bsky.social) reports.