Government
Voters defend gun law, and sponsor says it’s a model for other states
Senate President Karen Spilka (left) and Senate majority leader Cynthia Creem (right) celebrate on November 5, 2026 after voters upheld a 2024 gun control law.
Government
Government coverage from Worcester USA Wire.
GovernmentWhile Democrats are celebrating, pollsters are breathing sighs of relief
Somerville polling place. (Photo via Creative Commons/Flickr by Andrew Malone)
GovernmentOn Election Day in Lawrence, political corruption, low voter turnout, and uncontested races converge
City Hall on Lawrence Street. (Hallie Claflin/CommonWealth Beacon)
GovernmentMass. just tackled 9 ballot questions. Here’s where each landed, and what comes next.
Massachusetts voters on primary day in September.
GovernmentVoters subject governor and Legislature to public records law, but there’s no guarantee lawmakers will comply
Auditor Diana DiZoglio (center), pictured here addressing a legislative committee helmed by Sen. Cindy Friedman (left) and Rep.
GovernmentPrimary election reform backers concede as ballot measure falls short
Jordan Berg Powers (right), a leading opponent to a ballot question implementing all-party primaries in Massachusetts, listens to proponent Danielle Allen at a debate hosted by CommonWealth Beacon on October 13, 2026.
GovernmentDemocrats, in push for blue wave, continue domination in Massachusetts as they look to take back power in Washington
US Sen. Ed Markey celebrates his reelection with Massachusetts Democrats at the Fairmount Copley Plaza hotel on November 3, 2026.
GovernmentCommonWealth Beacon Election Day insights
Happy Election Day, welcome to the CommonWealth Beacon somewhat live blog! I’m Jennifer Smith, one of the senior reporters here, and I’m helming this channel throughout the day as my colleagues head into the field.
GovernmentGalvin uncertain about beating voter turnout in 2022, 2018
Secretary of State William Galvin addresses reporters ahead of the 2026 primaries. (Photo by Jennifer Smith | CommonWealth Beacon)
GovernmentBackers of primary election overhaul say the proposal is ‘Massachusetts-grown.’ For years, its top donors funded similar efforts across the country.
Danielle Allen, a Harvard University professor leading the charge for replacing partisan primary elections in Massachusetts with a single nonpartisan primary, speaks at a debate on the topic CommonWealth Beacon hosted on October 13, 2026.
GovernmentElection 2026: The Race for the Corner Office
Gov. Maura Healey will head into Election Day with a high-spending opponent, an affordability crisis still raging, and few of her campaign season wish-list items fulfilled by fellow Democrats in the Legislature.