Question 1

Legislature & Governor Records

5 questions · pick the answer closest to your view

1 / 5

Should most records of the Legislature and the Governor's office be covered by the state public records law?

No. Keep the public records law as it is.

Yes. They should follow the same public records law as cities, towns and state agencies.

2 / 5

Is the Legislature open enough today?

Yes. Sessions and hearings are public and often streamed, and bills and roll-call votes are posted online.

No. Massachusetts is one of only two states where both the Governor's office and the Legislature claim a blanket exemption.

3 / 5

Question 1 would keep private messages from people asking lawmakers for help with government benefits or agencies, but not every message. Your view?

That protects constituents' privacy well enough.

It is too narrow. Letters sharing political views or criticizing lawmakers could become public, which could discourage people from writing.

4 / 5

Some legislators say Question 1 is unconstitutional because it has the Secretary of the Commonwealth enforce records law against the Legislature. Your view?

Transparency is a core part of good government. The Legislature should follow the same rules as everyone else.

A change in how the branches of government check each other should take a constitutional amendment, not a ballot law.

5 / 5

Is it worth the extra work for state offices?

No. New records systems and staff time would pull resources from other core work.

Yes. The state budget office found no significant cost to taxpayers.

Every answer is based on the official Information for Voters guide: the summary, the Legislature's reports and the arguments for and against.

Question 1

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