Needham and Dedham voters will decide Nov. 3 whether Massachusetts should replace separate party primaries with a single contest open to all candidates and voters.

Under Question 3, the two candidates receiving the most votes would advance to the general election, regardless of party. Candidates for governor and lieutenant governor would run jointly in the primary, according to the official ballot summary.

The proposal comes as both towns’ state representatives face uncontested general elections. Paul McMurtry is the only listed candidate in Dedham’s 11th Norfolk District, and Joshua Brian Tarsky is the only listed candidate in Needham’s 13th Norfolk District, according to the state candidate list.

Supporters argue that an all-party primary would broaden competition and encourage candidates to appeal beyond their party’s voters. Opponents say the system could favor wealthy candidates and weaken parties’ role in selecting nominees.

Former Republican Gov. Charlie Baker and former Democratic Gov. Deval Patrick endorsed the measure in early October. Both the Massachusetts Democratic Party and Massachusetts Republican Party oppose it.

Campaign financing has become another point of contention. The Yes on 3 campaign reported raising $5.1 million and spending $4.8 million in early-September filings, while opposition group Voter Rights MA reported raising $35,000, according to South Shore News. Those figures reflect that reporting period rather than current totals.

State Sen. Lydia Edwards criticized the proposal during an Oct. 9 WGBH-FM forum, arguing that it would benefit private equity interests, Patch reported.

If approved, the law would take effect Jan. 1, 2028. California and Washington use top-two primaries. Alaska uses a different system, advancing four candidates to a ranked-choice general election.

Early voting runs Oct. 17–30. Residents can check locations and hours through the Needham elections page or Dedham Town Clerk.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.