Presidential tax return ballot question clears key hurdle

BOSTON (AP) — A proposed Massachusetts ballot question that would require presidential candidates to release their tax returns from the prior six years to secure a spot on the state primary ballot cleared a key hurdle Wednesday.

Democratic Attorney General Maura Healey certified the question, saying it passes constitutional muster. That clears the question to go before voters next year, provided that supporters can collect the tens of thousands of signatures needed to get on the ballot.

The proposal is a reaction to Republican President Donald Trump's refusal to publicly release his tax returns during the 2016 election. It would impose the same requirements for candidates for vice president.