Let's do this 💪 Here's everything you need to make it happen.
Why does this matter? Massachusetts voters approved Question 1 in November 2024 by a wide margin, authorizing the State Auditor to conduct an independent audit of the Legislature. Yet legislative leadership has resisted implementation. When towns like Reading take action and formally request their Select Board to support the audit, it creates momentum and demonstrates that constituents care about government transparency and accountability.
Below is a template you can customize and send to your town's Select Board or City Council. The goal is simple: ask them to write a letter to the Massachusetts Legislature supporting State Auditor Diana DiZoglio's audit of the Legislature itself.
How to use this template:
- Replace [XYZ Town] with your actual town name throughout.
- Replace the percentage placeholders with your town's actual voting data from Question 1. You can find a list of percentages by town here. Use the number in the last column. It represents the % of YES votes of those who voted on the question. Some voters did not vote on that question.
- Personalize the letter with your name and address. Use the number in the last column.
- Print it out or email it directly to your Select Board members.
- Consider attending a Select Board meeting to present it in person—public comment makes a difference.
Dear Members of the [XYZ Town] Select Board,
As residents of [XYZ Town] overwhelmingly supported Question 1 on Nov 7th 2024, I am asking the [Select Board or City Council] to take action in support of the voters by sending a letter, similar to the one issued by the Reading Select Board, urging legislative leadership to honor the will of the voters and permit the State Auditor to audit the Massachusetts Legislature. I took the liberty of drafting a letter and included the voter data for [XYZ Town].
Thank you,
Name, Address
The Honorable Ronald Mariano
Speaker of the House of Representatives
State House, Room 356
Boston, MA 02133
The Honorable Karen E. Spilka
President of the Senate, State House, Room 309
Boston, MA 02133
Re: Legislature Audit
Dear Speaker Mariano and Senate President Spilka,
The [XYZ Town Select Board or City Council] writes to express our strong support for implementing Question 1 from the November 2024 ballot. [XYZ Town] voters approved Question 1 by [XYZ%], joining with 72% of voters statewide, authorizing State Auditor Diana DiZoglio to audit the Massachusetts Legislature.
Massachusetts remains the only state entity that does not permit oversight of the Legislature by the State Auditor's Office. While legislative leaders have claimed that internal audits conducted by a privately procured vendor are sufficient, the voters of Massachusetts have clearly expressed their desire for independent review. At a time when the Massachusetts Legislature ranks among the least transparent in the nation and is one of only four state legislatures exempt from public record laws, independent auditing is essential.
Government entities that self-regulate pose risks of self-interest and reduced accountability to voters. Implementing this audit would enhance government transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility. The Massachusetts Legislature shouldn't be exempt from independent oversight, especially regarding the use of taxpayer funds.
We urge you to take the necessary steps to honor the will of the voters and allow the State Auditor's Office to proceed with this audit.
Sincerely,
[XYZ Town Select Board or City Council]
What happens next? If your Select Board votes to approve and send the letter, it joins the growing list of Massachusetts towns demanding that legislative leadership honor the voters' mandate. Each letter strengthens the case for transparency and holds elected officials accountable to the people they serve.
Reading did it. Now it's your town's turn. Let's make all 351 Massachusetts cities and towns heard. 💪
Update 8/07/26 - 23 Towns and Counting....
Reading was first. As of July 2026, many other cities and towns have joined Reading.
Below is a growing list of Massachusetts cities and towns whose select boards or city councils are sending letters or resolutions to Beacon Hill Leadership asking them to move forward with the fully transparent audit the people voted for!
1. Reading
2. Sutton
3. Chicopee
4. Malden
5. Melrose
6. Bourne
7. Sandwich
8. Falmouth
9. Mashpee
10. Barnstable
11. Yarmouth
12. Dennis
13. Harwich
14. Brewster
15. Chatham
16. Orleans
17. Eastham
18. Wellfleet
19. Truro
20. Provincetown
21. Saugus
22. Lancaster
23. Georgetown
24. ?Charlton? on the Agenda Aug 11th
25. ??? Anyone in any town can send a letter to their town council or selectboard to request that they do this.
Not every town took the same approach as Reading.
Cape Cod/Barnstable County drafted a Resolution.
The Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates has unanimously approved a resolution urging the Massachusetts Legislature to comply with a voter-approved audit of the Legislature and to preserve judicial oversight in any disputes over the audit's scope.
Here is a draft of the Resolution.
CAPE COD REGIONAL GOVERNMENT ASSEMBLY of DELEGATES
2026 Session
Proposed Resolution No. 06
Supporting the voter’s approval for an audit of the State Legislature
Whereas, government transparency is essential for a functioning and successful democracy, and;
Whereas, our elected officials’ primary function is to serve the will of the people, and;
Whereas, the need for elected officials to respect the will of the voters is paramount to maintaining confidence and trust in our government, and;
Whereas, the State Auditor is independently elected by the people of Massachusetts to provide independent oversight of government and public agencies, and;
Whereas, through an affirmative vote of 72%, the voters authorized the State Auditor to audit the State Legislature through a 2024 ballot initiative, and;
Whereas, the State Legislature has refused to respect the will of a majority of the voters and allow the State Auditor to legally conduct an audit , and;
Whereas, the State Legislature is attempting to circumvent the will of the voters by passing legislation which purposely restricts the scope of State Auditor’s audit,
NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that the Cape Cod Regional Government:
requests that the House of Representatives and the State Senate immediately comply with the will of a majority of the voters of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and cooperate with the State Auditor to conduct the audit rather than attempt to limit, delay or redefine it through separate legislative action.
Submitted by:
James J. Killion, Sandwich Delegate
Frank Frederickson, Barnstable Delegate
Please thank your Delegates!
The discussion on the Audit Resolution by the Cape Cod Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates is absolutely worth watching!
1:28-1:58 Assembly of Delegates
🎥 https://www.youtube.com/live/_tX5r2gbFfQ?t=5331s
Some Delegates initially raised concerns or questioned aspects of the resolution. But after listening to one another—and hearing the various arguments for respecting the will of the voters and preserving judicial oversight—every single Delegate, one from each Cape Cod town, ultimately voted YES. The final vote was UNANIMOUS. If you live on the Cape, reach out to your delegate and thank them.
If you don't live on the Cape, send a letter to your Select Board or City Council. Anyone can do it. It just takes one person to take action.
Get your "Where's Our Audit/ What are they Hiding" T-shirt and wear it everywhere this summer! Or grab a 10-pack of magnetic bumper stickers.
Everyone needs to know that the legislature is fighting to stop a real independent audit. The legislature is out of spin. This is an issue that 72% of Massachusetts voters agree on.
This is not a partisan issue. Democrats, Independents, and Republicans all voted YES on Question #1. The only people who oppose the audit have something to hide. Or something to lose.