Jackson v. Attorney General

Summary

The court held that an initiative petition establishing a nonpartisan, all-party primary with the top two finishers advancing to the general election is not inconsistent with the freedom of elections protected by the Massachusetts Constitution. Because the proposal does not significantly interfere with voters' or candidates' rights, rational-basis review applies, and the proposal bears a real and substantial relation to legitimate governmental interests. The court affirmed the certification and remanded for entry of a declaratory judgment upholding it.