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Dustin Luca
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WORCESTER, Mass. — Massachusetts voters have the opportunity to discuss key 2026 ballot questions Oct. 7-8 at public forums hosted by Worcester State University, Salem State University and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Each participating campus will host a forum focused on a different 2026 Massachusetts ballot question, bringing the conversation to communities across Western, Central, and North Shore Massachusetts. The new Commonwealth Ballot Forum Initiative, led by Worcester State’s John Binienda Center for Civic Engagement, was developed in partnership with the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Democracy Project at UMass Amherst, and the Frederick E. Berry Institute of Politics at Salem State University.
The initiative builds on former state representative John Binienda’s legacy by demonstrating how public higher education can serve its communities as a place for learning, dialogue, and informed civic participation.
“We’re inviting the community onto our campuses to engage in thoughtful, nonpartisan dialogue about these important ballot measures,” said Megan Moran, director of the Binienda Center. “Our shared goal is to strengthen democracy by creating pathways for democracy engagement and civic learning.”
The events kick off on Oct. 7 with Worcester State’s forum on Ballot Question 4. The moderated conversation will bring together perspectives from elected representatives, local civic organizations, and the Worcester City Clerk’s Office, with students participating in the discussion.
On Oct. 8, UMass Amherst will host a discussion on Ballot Question 9, a referendum on the commonwealth’s 2024 firearms law. The “no” coalition collected 100,000 signatures to put the question on the ballot. A “yes” vote keeps the law in place. A “no” vote repeals it. Representatives from each campaign will engage in a dialogue with Jamie Rowen, co-chair of the UMass Democracy Project, guided by student-generated questions.
Also on Oct. 8, Salem State University will host a discussion on Ballot Question 7. Moderated by Hannah Levine, assistant director of the Frederick E. Berry Institute of Politics, the event will feature a speaker from each side to explore the ballot question’s origins and the impacts of the proposed statewide zoning change.
Forums will be recorded and made available online as ongoing civic learning resources. Online registration is encouraged. Here is the full schedule:
Oct. 7
Worcester State University: Ballot Question 4, Election Day Registration: If passed, Question 4 would allow eligible Massachusetts residents to register to vote or update their address at their polling place on Election Day. Voters would need to provide proof of residency and sign an oath confirming that they meet the requirements to vote and are not voting elsewhere in the same election. If someone cannot provide proof of residency at the polling place, they could cast a provisional ballot and provide the required information within the applicable deadline for that election.
- Hosted by the John J. Binienda Center for Civic Engagement
- 9:30-10:20 am
- Fuller Theater, 2nd floor Shaughnessy Administration Building
Contact: Deborah Alvarez O‘Neil at doneil2@worcester.edu
Oct. 8
UMass Amherst: Ballot Question 9, Firearm Regulations Referendum: If passed, Ballot Initiative 9 maintains existing legislation that restricts access to unregistered firearms, machine guns, and assault weapons. Toby Leary, leader of The Civil Rights Coalition and No on 9 Campaign, and Megan DesAutels, campaign coordinator for the Yes on 9 Campaign, will discuss the origins and implications of this ballot initiative.
- Hosted by the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Democracy Project
- 12-2 pm
- Old Chapel, Great Hall
Contact: Jamie Rowen, jrowen@umass.edu
Salem State University: Ballot Question 7, Limit on Required Lot Size for Single-Family Homes Initiative: If passed, Ballot Question 7 would require cities and towns to allow single-family homes on residential lots of at least 5,000 square feet in area, or 0.12 acres. If rejected, no requirements would be passed on to cities and towns, preserving their individual zoning regulations, which often require much larger minimum lot sizes. The event will feature Andrew Mikula, campaign chair for the Yes on 7 Campaign, and Dave Koffman, legislative director with the Massachusetts Municipal Association, representing the opposition.
- Hosted by the Frederic E. Berry Institute of Politics
- 12:15-1:30 pm
- Forten 123, Harrington Campus
Contact: Dustin Luca at dustin.luca@salemstate.edu