Voters Cast Ballots in 2026 Midterm Elections
Voters in Massachusetts and Ohio cast ballots in midterm elections featuring record ballot questions and contentious gubernatorial races.
Voters in Franklin County, Massachusetts, and Franklin County, Ohio, cast ballots in midterm elections on Tuesday, November 4, 2026. The elections featured a mix of local governance issues and high-profile state races.
In Massachusetts, voters faced a record nine ballot questions since 1994, with measures focusing on firearm regulations, tax revenue formulas, and public records laws. Key contested races included the U.S. Senate, the 1st Franklin District state House seat, and the Franklin County sheriff's office. Governor Maura Healey sought reelection, while Republican Mike Minogue, former CEO of Abiomed Inc., ran for governor.
In Ohio, high voter turnout led to long lines in Columbus and Hilliard. Voters considered Issues 8 and 9, which proposed restructuring the Columbus city council ward system. The gubernatorial race between Republican Vivek Ramaswamy and Democrat Amy Acton became a focal point of controversy after Ramaswamy released a personal attack ad featuring Acton's estranged mother, drawing criticism from students and voters.
While Massachusetts voters prioritized local governance and progressive values, Ohio voters expressed primary concerns regarding healthcare, women's rights, and the cost of living.