Editorial: Ballot measure would transform primary elections

Proposed Massachusetts referendum questions wending their way through the qualifying process for the 2026 state ballot represent some interesting possibilities.

One would lower the state income tax rate from 5% to 4%, another would trigger more frequent refunds from excess tax collections, while another would subject the governor’s office and the state Legislature to the mandates of the Public Records Law.

But one really strikes at the heart of the democratic process — creating an all-party state primary.

Supporters of that ballot question gathered on the State House steps Monday before delivering tens of thousands of signatures to officials for certification.

If the question were to pass next fall, all candidates for a statewide race would appear on a single primary ballot.

Any voter