Massachusetts Voters Approve Public Records Rules for Legislature

Massachusetts voters passed Question 1, a ballot measure applying the state's Public Records Law to the governor's office and the Legislature, MassLive reported on November 4, 2026. Unofficial counts showed support above 85%.

Until now, both branches have asserted that they fall outside the records statute, a position that critics said made the Massachusetts law one of the weakest in the country. Massachusetts and Michigan are the only two states where the governor's office and lawmakers both assert that kind of broad exemption, according to State Auditor Diana DiZoglio, who led the campaign for the question.

The measure keeps certain records out of public reach, including materials tied to the drafting of public policy and messages between legislators and constituents when those messages involve a constituent seeking help with government benefits or services.

In 2026, the Society of Professional Journalists gave Massachusetts its annual "Black Hole Award," a designation the group uses for governments it faults for secrecy.

DiZoglio, a Democrat from Methuen, has spent two years in a dispute with lawmakers over her 2024 ballot initiative authorizing her office to audit the Legislature. That measure won 72% of the vote, and a MassINC poll found the same share of voters continue to back the audit effort, according to MassLive.

This story was first reported by MassLive.