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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Online sports betting became legal in Massachusetts in 2022, and now the Legislature is considering a bill (H4431) to legalize internet casino gambling—also known as “iGambling” or “iGaming.” What would more options for 24/7 gambling mean to the public health of our communities? Watch the recording from the 1/9/26 webinar. Speakers included Mark Gottlieb of Northeastern Law’s Public Health Advocacy Institute, Samantha Hamilton of Public Health Institute of Western MA, Victor Ortiz from the MA Dept. of Public Health Office of Problem Gambling, and State Representative Lindsay Sabadosa. The discussion was moderated by Jessica Collins of the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts. Webinar Materials recording slides Video shared by Mark Gottlieb- Online Casino Gambling Ad Take Action This month, PLEASE email the MA Legislature’s Committee on Economic Development & Emerging Technologies and ask them to SUPPORT Sen. Keenan’s bill (S.302) to add regulations on sports-betting, AND, OPPOSE H.4431, a bill that would legalize online casino gambling. Instructions & Email Template Links Shared during webinar Read speaker bios Understanding Youth Gambling Behavior in Springfield: Findings from the Springfield Youth Health Survey PHIWM Written Testimony An Act relative to internet gaming An Act addressing economic, health and social harms caused by sports betting The MA Problem Gambling Helpline , 800-327-5050
Access the Action Alert on Google Docs or below. This month, PLEASE email the MA Legislature’s Committee on Economic Development & Emerging Technologies and ask them to: A. SUPPORT Sen. Keenan’s bill (S.302) to add regulations on sports-betting AND B. OPPOSE H.4431, a bill that would legalize online casino gambling. Step 1. Write and send this email on your own time, from your personal email , unless you are representing your employer, with their approval. This action is lobbying. Step 2. Use any (or all) of the template below to write your email; be sure to tailor the highlighted blanks with your own words.
Online sports betting became legal in Massachusetts in 2023, and now the Legislature is considering a bill (H4431) to legalize internet casino gambling—also known as “iGambling” or “iGaming.” What would more options for 24/7 gambling mean to the public health of our communities? Speakers include Mark Gottlieb of Northeastern Law’s Public Health Advocacy Institute, Samantha Hamilton of Public Health Institute of Western MA, Victor Ortiz from the MA Dept. of Public Health Office of Problem Gambling, and State Representative Lindsay Sabadosa. The discussion will be moderated by Jessica Collins of the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts, and attendees will have the opportunity to submit questions during a live Q&A.
