Jesse Littlewood Explains 2026 Massachusetts Ballot Initiative to Reform Primary Elections

By-Hank Stolz

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Worcester, MA- Jesse Littlewood, the campaign manager for the Coalition for Healthy Democracy called into the Talk of the Commonwealth to explain his organization’s 2026 Massachusetts ballot initiative to change the state’s primary election system. Littlewood detailed the current closed primary system, which he argued disenfranchises the 65% of unenrolled voters and contributes to political polarization by rewarding candidates who appeal to a small, ideological base. He outlined the proposed reform: a single primary ballot for all voters, with the top two vote-getters advancing to the general election, regardless of party. Littlewood argued this would increase competition in a state with the nation’s least competitive elections, boost voter turnout, and incentivize compromise among elected officials. He cited similar successful reforms in other states, discussed the expected pushback from political “gatekeepers,” and explained how listeners could get involved with the campaign.