Question 2

Sources (Ballot Question 2): A and B: What your vote will do and AG summary, p. 8. A: argument in favor (unlike other state employees, CPCS employees lack the right to choose). Authors: Argument in favor by Tom McKeever, Labor Unions for Public Counsel Workers Rights; Argument against compiled by the Secretary of the Commonwealth from the Legislature's majority report (no organized No group). Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions majority report, pp. 26-27. Secretary of the Commonwealth, Information for Voters 2026, Question 2 pp. 8-9 (https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/research-and-statistics/information-for-voters-2026.htm).

Sources (Ballot Question 2): A: majority report (proponents cited workload, compensation, recruitment and retention). B: argument against and majority report (limits on responding flexibly to caseloads, staffing needs and court demands). Authors: Argument in favor by Tom McKeever, Labor Unions for Public Counsel Workers Rights; Argument against compiled by the Secretary of the Commonwealth from the Legislature's majority report (no organized No group). Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions majority report, pp. 26-27. Secretary of the Commonwealth, Information for Voters 2026, Question 2 pp. 8-9 (https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/research-and-statistics/information-for-voters-2026.htm).

Sources (Ballot Question 2): A: argument in favor (critical support for the constitutional right to counsel). B: argument against (independent judicial branch agency; ambiguity in lines of authority). Authors: Argument in favor by Tom McKeever, Labor Unions for Public Counsel Workers Rights; Argument against compiled by the Secretary of the Commonwealth from the Legislature's majority report (no organized No group). Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions majority report, pp. 26-27. Secretary of the Commonwealth, Information for Voters 2026, Question 2 pp. 8-9 (https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/research-and-statistics/information-for-voters-2026.htm).

Sources (Ballot Question 2): A: argument in favor (bargain over wages, benefits and working conditions). B: majority report (encourages continued dialogue between proponents and CPCS to address workplace challenges). Authors: Argument in favor by Tom McKeever, Labor Unions for Public Counsel Workers Rights; Argument against compiled by the Secretary of the Commonwealth from the Legislature's majority report (no organized No group). Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions majority report, pp. 26-27. Secretary of the Commonwealth, Information for Voters 2026, Question 2 pp. 8-9 (https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/research-and-statistics/information-for-voters-2026.htm).

Sources (Ballot Question 2): A: argument in favor (gives CPCS employees the right to make that choice). B: argument against (serious operational and fiscal risks for the judiciary). Authors: Argument in favor by Tom McKeever, Labor Unions for Public Counsel Workers Rights; Argument against compiled by the Secretary of the Commonwealth from the Legislature's majority report (no organized No group). Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions majority report, pp. 26-27. Secretary of the Commonwealth, Information for Voters 2026, Question 2 pp. 8-9 (https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/research-and-statistics/information-for-voters-2026.htm).