In 2025, we saw the militarization of our cities, attacks on our voting rights, and our elected leaders catering to billionaires rather than the people. We’ve never faced an administration that has done this much damage this quickly.  

But thanks to our Bay State members, we fought for the people and secured significant victories in Massachusetts. We are grateful to all those who joined our People’s Lobby, in ways big and small, and made sure the people’s interests came first. 

Launched the Platform for People Power 

The Win: Right now, our democracy is being attacked from every angle. That’s why Common Cause Massachusetts launched the ‘Platform for People Power,’ our legislative priorities that meet this moment and act at the state and local level. We also held a ‘People’s Lobby Day’ at the Statehouse in June.  

Why It Matters: These commonsense, pro-democracy legislative priorities put the most essential element of our democracy — the people — front and center. Our People’s Lobby Day brought members from across Massachusetts to the State House to speak to their lawmakers about key issues like Same Day Registration, guaranteed hybrid meeting access, and ballot questions funding transparency. Together, we’ll continue advocating for critical legislation that strengthens our voting rights, makes it easier for people to participate in their government, and increases transparency to hold those in power accountable. 

Learn more about our Platform for People Power here.  

Built a People-Powered Movement 

The Win: To build our on the ground people power, we’ve hosted 3 ‘Coffees with a Cause” in Brighton, Lowell, and Medway, held monthly 5 ‘People Power Hours,’ and facilitated 8 organizing trainings for our members.  

Why It Matters: We know that when We the People come together, we can make a real and lasting difference in our communities. We’re empowering everyday Bay Staters with the information, tools, and resources they need to influence policy and make their voices heard. 

Take action with Common Cause by clicking here. 

Took the People’s Promise to D.C. 

The Win: We hand-delivered petitions from thousands of our members to the Massachusetts congressional delegation. While in D.C., we met with lawmakers and staff, urging them to support a budget that puts the needs of everyday people before billionaires. Common Cause Massachusetts is fighting for you at every level of government, from city councils to Congress. 

Why It Matters: Common Cause is standing with partners across the nation to demand that the government stop attacking our rights, undermining our democracy, and enriching the ultra-wealthy, while driving up the cost of living for working-class Americans. We launched the People’s Promise Campaign, which calls for an economy that works for everyone, a government for the people, and equal rights and opportunity for all.  

Learn more about the People’s Promise here.  

Worked to Strengthen Voting Access 

The Win: Common Cause Massachusetts organized a broad coalition of elected officials, healthcare professionals, housing experts, and faith leaders to testify in support of same day voter registration. We held two press conferences at the Statehouse and in the city of Boston, urging lawmakers to pass legislation to ensure all polling places are accessible to voters with disabilities, and to prevent eligible voters from being dropped from the voter rolls for not responding to the census.
 

Why It Matters: It’s more important than ever to ensure that every eligible voter who wishes to cast a ballot on Election Day is able to do so. The SAVE Act and President Trump’s elections executive order aim to roll back over 15 years of progress made in Massachusetts election laws by restricting vote-by-mail, automatic voter registration, online voter registration, pre-registration, and more. Bay State voters are fighting back, using their voices to demand greater access to the ballot box.  

Tell your lawmaker to support same day voter registration by clicking here.  

Blocked A Dangerous Article V Convention 

The Win: Thanks to a multi-year campaign led by Common Cause Massachusetts, the Massachusetts legislature moved to protect all Americans’ constitutional rights by rescinding the state’s previous calls for an Article V Convention. 

Why It Matters: By stopping an Article V Convention in its tracks, we are protecting all people’s fundamental rights and freedoms. This includes the freedom of speech, freedom of religion, the right to vote, and the right to a trial by jury, to name a few — all of which would be up for complete rewrites if an Article V Convention happened. 

Learn about our national efforts to stop Article V Conventions efforts here. 

Shined a Light on Big Money’s Impact on the Ballot 

The Win: Common Cause Massachusetts worked with legislators to introduce the Ballot Spending Transparency Act (H.868/ S.507.) This new legislation would increase transparency in the reporting process for campaign spending on statewide ballot questions.    

Why It Matters: Currently, ballot question spending goes completely unreported for eight months of the year, only being published just 60 days before the election. Massachusetts voters deserve to know, in real time, who is funding the ballot questions that will impact their lives. The Ballot Spending Transparency Act will empower voters with this valuable information, ensuring big-money special interests can’t go undetected when they try to buy their preferred policies. 

Learn more about the Ballot Spending Transparency Act here.  

We’re so proud of the wins we secured for democracy in 2025, but we know our work isn’t over. Join us as we fight for a government that works for all of us in 2026 and beyond.