But What About 2023

Why Does 2023 Matter?

With just 15 months until the general election of 2024, people around the world have begun to watch the Presidential ballot take shape, eagerly anticipating the next big matchup. While such news will likely eclipse much of the coming political analysis, other critical voting will take place in the interim. On November 7th, 2023, the United States will take part in an off-year, non-midterm election deciding seats that will determine the shape of the nation as consequentially as any Presidential contest. Moreover, each individual citizen has amplified opportunity to make a substantive difference on these somewhat forgotten ballots, as the pool will be smaller and each vote more significant. Particularly in municipal circumstances, winners are determined by scant margins, often just a few votes. In both 1971 and 2017, a Virginia House of Delegates election even saw exact ties, and the two candidates’ names were placed in an envelope for random selection. Other ties have been settled by special election, selection by the state legislature, and even ping pong balls drawn from cowboy hats on live TV, as was the case in Wyoming’s 1994 House of Representatives vote.

Another advantage of off year elections is reduced media attention, allowing for greater impact of individual campaigns in their territories. Free from national punditry, regional issues are more directly addressed, and voters increasingly seek local resources to help with decision making. Once the election is over, municipal, county, and state offices also offer greater opportunity for constituent influence, as voters tend to have almost unlimited access to their Town Halls and State Capitols, as is not the case at the federal level. Likewise, every legislator depends more on each single vote, and must therefore accept greater input than would someone in higher office whose victory is diffused over considerably more individuals.

Who is Up for Election?

In 2023, the states of Mississippi, Kentucky, and Louisiana will all hold elections for their state slate, including Governor, Secretary of State, Treasurer, and Attorney General. New Jersey, Mississippi, and Louisiana will hold legislative contests for both houses, and Wisconsin and Pennsylvania will address their Supreme Court. Municipalities and counties across the nation will select their local leadership, impacting taxation, zoning, public education, and quality of life.

How Can I Get Involved?

The best way to get involved in any election, including 2023, is to contact your local Republican Town Committee. A microcosm of the Republican National Committee and State Level GOP, RTCs act as liaisons between community-based voters and the party at large. They will coordinate with candidates’ campaigns and local grassroots organizations to determine what action is needed at what time. Showing support through bumper stickers or lawn signs can also be impactful during municipal elections, as well as attending local events and rallies. Many districts will additionally have party representatives at the polls on election day, hoping to sway undecided voters on down ballot choices.

Do you plan to vote in November 2023? How can you get involved beforehand to help Republican candidates?

Hilary Gunn is a Connecticut native with a degree in Criminal Justice from the George Washington University. She works for a nonprofit and has previously collaborated with the CT GOP as an activist, political campaign manager and field director, and social media organizer. She is currently serving in her fourth term of municipal office and has previously acted as a delegate on the Republican Town Committee.