Mass. Question 9: Gun Control Repeal Fight Hits Ballot

A ballot question asking Massachusetts residents to keep or repeal a controversial gun control law signed by Governor Maura Healey on July 25, 2024, has finally been assigned a position on the November 3, 2026 statewide ballot.

The question is last on the ballot this fall, ninth out of nine questions.

The Massachusetts Civil Rights Coalition, which seeks to repeal the law, gathered and certified the required signatures to bring the issue before the voters, but until recently was unable to tell folks where the question would appear. Knowing the ballot position is important for promoting a position on the issue.

The Civil Rights Coalition can now advise voters to "Vote No on Question 9."

Why a 'No' Vote Repeals the Mass. Gun Law

Why would you tell someone to vote no if you want them to repeal a law? It's because, according to Ballotpedia, the question actually asks voters if they want to retain the law.

What Chapter 135 Means for Massachusetts Gun Owners

The law, "Acts of 2024 Chapter 135, An Act Modernizing Firearms Laws," is described as a sweeping gun control law that expands background checks, ghost gun regulations, and red flag laws, which also prohibit firearms in certain public places.

Civil Rights Coalition Argues State Overreach

The Civil Rights Coalition says the state is using taxpayer dollars to "take away your Second Amendment rights" by funding opposition to the ballot question.

"It doesn't matter if you want to own a gun or not, you have that right, and we all have to fight for it," said coalition member Bill Bachant of Bachant Armaments. "If they can strip this constitutional right from citizens, they will try to strip others as well."

The Civil Rights Coalition calls Chapter 135 "unconstitutional" and an attempt to disarm citizens of Massachusetts.

32 States With Laws to Take Guns From Certain People

The 2nd amendment is very important for Montanans. However, it's very possible Montana could follow other states and take guns away from certain law breaking citizens.

Gallery Credit: Canva

States Ranked by Gun Death Rates

Gun death rates per 100,000 are high in the U.S., and getting higher. Here's a list of states ranked by firearm safety, from lowest death rates to highest. Data for 2021 is from the CDC via Violence Policy Center.

Gallery Credit: Kate Robinson