Massachusetts voters have the opportunity to explore and discuss key 2026 ballot questions at upcoming public forums hosted by Worcester State University and other public universities.
The new Commonwealth Ballot Forum Initiative led by Worcester State’s John Binienda Center for Civic Engagement aims to bring the conversation to communities across Western, Central, and North Shore Massachusetts on October 7-8.
“We’re inviting the community onto our campuses to engage in thoughtful, nonpartisan dialogue about these important ballot measures,” said Megan Moran, director of the Binienda Center. “Our shared goal is to strengthen democracy by creating pathways for democracy engagement and civic learning.”
The events kick off on Oct 7 from 9:30-10:20 a.m. in the Fuller Theater with Worcester State’s forum on Ballot Question 4. If passed, Question 4 would allow eligible Massachusetts residents to register to vote or update their address at their polling place on Election Day. Voters would need to provide proof of residency and sign an oath confirming that they meet the requirements to vote and are not voting elsewhere in the same election. If someone cannot provide proof of residency at the polling place, they could cast a provisional ballot and provide the required information within the applicable deadline for that election.
The moderated conversation will bring together perspectives from elected representatives, local civic organizations, and the Worcester City Clerk’s Office, with students from the Political Science and History courses Doing Political Science (PO 250) and Plots, Scandals, and Villains (HI 172) participating in the discussion.
On Oct 8, UMass Amherst and Salem State University will also be holding ballot question forums on their campuses.
The public is invited to attend. Online registration [1] is encouraged for each event.