News

While presidential elections garner the most attention from the media, the truth is that elections at every level of government are important and deserve our participation. We believe there truly are no “off years” when it comes to being civically engaged. Local elections are important because they focus on issues that affect communities directly, such as zoning laws, public transportation, school policies, and local taxes. They can also ensure that local government reflects the diversity of the community. This includes not only racial and ethnic diversity, but also diversity in terms of age, gender, and socioeconomic status. By electing representatives who understand the unique needs of the community, local government can be more effective and responsive. We saw this on display in the 2022 Midterms when several candidates made history by becoming the “first” of their respective communities to win an elected office. It is crucial for citizens to participate in local elections to ensure that their voices are heard and their interests are represented.

In 2023, several states will hold important elections that will shape the direction of local and state governments for years to come. Here’s a look at the upcoming elections in Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Jersey, and Virginia.

Kentucky

In Kentucky, voters will elect a new Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Auditor of Public Accounts, Treasurer, and Commissioner of Agriculture in 2023. The current Governor, Andy Beshear, has been a vocal advocate for expanding healthcare access, supporting public education, and protecting workers’ rights. He has also been a strong proponent of social justice and police reform. The outcome of the 2023 elections will have a significant impact on the future of these issues in the state. Kentucky will hold its primary election on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. The general election will take place on Tuesday, November 7, 2023.

Louisiana

In Louisiana, the 2023 elections will include races for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry, Commissioner of Insurance, and State Treasurer. The state has faced significant challenges in recent years, including natural disasters and economic uncertainty. The outcome of the elections will be important in determining the future of the state’s recovery efforts, as well as other critical issues such as education, healthcare, and criminal justice reform. Louisiana will hold its primary election on Saturday, October 14, 2023. If necessary, a runoff election will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2023. The general election will take place on Saturday, November 18, 2023.

Mississippi

In Mississippi, the 2023 elections will include races for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, State Auditor, Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce, and Commissioner of Insurance. The state has one of the highest poverty rates in the country and has struggled with issues such as healthcare access and education funding. The outcome of the elections will be important in determining the future of these issues, as well as other critical issues such as criminal justice reform and voting rights. Mississippi will hold its primary election on Tuesday, August 8, 2023. If necessary, a runoff election will be held on Tuesday, August 29, 2023. The general election will take place on Tuesday, November 7, 2023.

New Jersey

In New Jersey, the 2023 elections will include races for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, State Assembly, and State Senate. In addition, voters will also cast their ballots for local races, including county freeholders, county sheriffs, and municipal offices. There may also be ballot measures and propositions, such as bond measures, that voters will have the opportunity to vote on. The state has been a leader in progressive policies, such as increasing the minimum wage, expanding voting rights, and legalizing recreational marijuana. The outcome of the elections will be important in determining the future of these policies, as well as other critical issues such as climate change and education funding. New Jersey will hold its primary election on Tuesday, June 6, 2023. The general election will take place on Tuesday, November 7, 2023.

Virginia

In Virginia, the 2023 elections will include races for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and all 100 seats in the House of Delegates. In addition, there may be local races, such as county supervisors or school board members, and ballot measures or propositions that voters will have the opportunity to vote on. The state has been at the forefront of progressive policies such as gun control, LGBTQ rights, and criminal justice reform. The outcome of the elections will be important in determining the future of these policies, as well as other critical issues such as healthcare access and education funding. Virginia will hold its primary election on Tuesday, June 20, 2023. The general election will take place on Tuesday, November 7, 2023.

Get Vote Plan Ready with my.VoteEverywhere Portal

Our hope is that everyone sees the importance and value of voting in your local elections. If you’d like to make a difference in your state and local community, then it’s time to get #VotePlanReady! At The Andrew Goodman Foundation, we have everything to get you ready for the ballot box through our my.VoteEverywhere portal. Our one-stop-shop will help you check your voter registration, get you registered to vote, check your ballot, request an absentee ballot, and so much more. Take some time to make sure you have everything you need to make your voice heard in your local elections this year!

 About The Author

Mo Banks is the Senior Communications Manager at The Andrew Goodman Foundation. Mo has been a digital communication specialist for the past five years, working for a variety of non-profits in the progressive movement space.