The Many Steps to Getting a Question on MA’s Statewide Ballot
August 19, 2025
2025-26 Ballot Question Timeline Initiative Petition for a Law
Even though Election Day 2026 is a long way off, scores of advocates are already working to get laws passed by the will of the voters rather than the Legislature. August 6 was the deadline to file “initiative petitions” with the Attorney General’s Office—just the first step of many.
- August 6, 2025: Last day to submit petitions signed by 10 original signers to the Attorney General.
- September 3, 2025: First day to file petitions certified by the Attorney General with the Secretary of the Commonwealth to request blank petition forms (petitions are provided within 14 days of request).
- November 19, 2025: Last day to submit signed petitions to local registrars of voters for certification.
- December 3, 2025: Last day to file certified petitions with the Secretary.
- January 7, 2026: First legislative day of the year – successful petitions transmitted to House Clerk.
- May 5, 2026: Last day for Legislature to act on petition.
- May 6, 2026: First day petitioners may request additional petitions from the Secretary.
- June 2, 2026: Deadline for petitioners to file an amended petition with the Secretary, with a certificate from the Attorney General that the amendment does not materially change the substance of the measure.
- June 17, 2026: Last day to file petitions with local registrars for certification.
- July 1, 2026: Last day to file certified petitions with the Secretary (first day is June 3, 2026).
- November 3, 2026: Election Day
From A Guide to Statewide Ballot Question Petitions, May 2025, by the MA Office of the Secretary of State, Election Division
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