On Massachusetts ballots as “Question 3”, the proposed change to how primaries are conducted moving forward is in the hands of voters in this upcoming November election.

Otherwise referred to as an “All-Party Primary”, every candidate for an office will appear on a ballot, discontinuing party-focused contests. Depending on the state, the number of qualified candidates selected would then advance to the general election.

In Massachusetts, Question 3 would allow for the top two finishers to advance.

This creates an opportunity for one party to secure the nomination for an elected office, rather than the conventional selection of a Democratic, Republican, or Independent nominee.

Currently, three states offer an All-Party Primary: Alaska, California, and Washington.

A drawback with the All-Party Primary system is that one party may split its vote among too many candidates and be shut out of the general election entirely.

Alaska recently held its primaries. Among the 16 candidates seeking the Senate nomination, Democrat Mary Peltola and Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan were the top contenders, earning their spots in the November election.

Peltola won the most votes, 63,364, and Sullivan was the runner-up, securing 56,510 votes.

In Alaska, the top four vote earners advance. In late August, the third candidate selected to advance is Dan J. Sullivan, who announced his candidacy in late May.

Sen. Sullivan believed Dan J. Sullivan’s candidacy was a trick devised by Peltola and the Alaska Democratic Party.

Peltola’s campaign and the state’s Democratic Party told reporters they have no involvement or affiliation with either Dan Sullivan.

Dan J. Sullivan earned 3,222 votes, or 2.4% of the vote.

Democrat David B. Leslie secured the fourth-place position, obtaining 1.11% of the vote, according to official sources.

For the initiative to pass, it must win a majority of the vote and be approved by at least 30% of all ballots cast in the election.

If passed, the Massachusetts measure would not take effect until January 1, 2028.