Ballot question committees spent significant sums last year on campaigns to influence voter decisions on various proposals, including the elimination of the MCAS test as a graduation requirement and an audit of the state Legislature. However, during an eight-month period from January to September, these committees were not required to report their fundraising and spending activities to the state campaign finance office.
This discrepancy in disclosure requirements compared to candidates for statewide office has been criticized by good-government advocates. Two Boston-area lawmakers, Sal DiDomenico and Dan Ryan, have proposed legislation requiring ballot campaigns to file monthly reports. DiDomenico stated that this would “close a hole in our campaign finance law” and provide voters with necessary information.
Geoff Foster from Common Cause Massachusetts supported the legislation, emphasizing that it would ensure transparency in funding sources for ballot questions. Currently, ballot committees file initial reports upon organizing and then again two months before elections.
Common Cause Massachusetts found that over $340 million was raised by ballot campaigns over six election cycles, with 36% collected during non-reporting periods. In 2024 alone, $25.2 million was spent on five questions, with an additional $19.2 million in in-kind contributions.
The Massachusetts Teachers Association reported significant spending on ending the MCAS test requirement, totaling $15.7 million in in-kind contributions and $6.3 million in other expenses. The business-backed opposition reported donations totaling $870,000 during the same period.
Campaign consultant Chris Keohan expressed support for the proposed changes, noting that transparency should apply equally to legislators and ballot questions.
