Mass. Voters Back Question 1 Allowing DiZoglio To Audit State Legislature

BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — State Auditor Diana DiZoglio scored a major victory in her quest to audit the state legislature after voters approved Question 1.

A majority of voters backed the ballot measure that grants DiZoglio the ability to audit the Massachusetts state legislature, an issue she campaigned on when she first ran for auditor in 2023.

While the extent of a potential audit is unclear, DiZoglio said she wants to look into things like spending receipts and how state contracts are awarded. She told WBZ NewsRadio she wants to shine a light on the often-murky halls of Beacon Hill, which has consistently been rated one of the most opaque legislatures in the country.

Even though voters approved the measure, it faces a steep uphill battle before DiZoglio can begin looking into anything, including a likely court battle.

Opponents of the measure, including lawmakers and constitutional scholars, argued allowing the state auditor to audit the legislature without its consent would violate the separation of powers on Beacon Hill because DiZoglio is an executive branch employee.

In 2023, state Attorney General Andrea Campbell sided with the legislature and said the law at the time did not allow the state auditor to look into the legislature without their consent. Her office said the constitutionality of Question 1 might be up for debate if it passed. Leaders on Beacon Hill have signaled they may weaken the law or try to repeal it completely.

Read the results of the four other ballot questions:

Question 2: MCAS Will No Longer Be Graduation Requirement

Question 3: Mass. Voters Approve Question 3 Allowing Rideshare Drivers To Unionize

Question 4: Mass. Voters Reject Question 4, Keeping Psychedelics Illegal

Question 5: Massachusetts Votes 'No' On Question 5, Tipped Worker Wages Stay Same

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