Question 5: should the state change how it figures its yearly tax cap?

Question 5 would change the yearly limit on state tax collections to last year's collections times average wage growth, with refunds of the excess. Voters passed the limit in 1986.

A Yes vote makes that change, starting July 1, 2027. A No vote keeps the current law.

Supporters say it puts more discipline on the state budget and would produce more refunds. Opponents say it could force budget cuts and push cities and towns toward property tax increases.

As of Oct. 26, the Yes side had reported about $577,000 and the No side about $721,000, according to the state Office of Campaign and Political Finance.

Read the full Question 5 explainer, with what each vote does, the background, the data and every source. The Cape Ann Current takes no position on any ballot question.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Early voting runs through Thursday, Oct. 29, in Essex and through Friday, Oct. 30, in Gloucester, Rockport and Manchester; see the last week of early voting for hours. All nine questions and the candidates are in our Election 2026 guide.