🗳️ A 2023 election recap

States and counties across the nation held key elections in early November 2023 where abortion access took center stage. For many Americans, an off-year election before the presidential primaries next year is the least of their worries. Now, the results are in for November 7's elections, and what they entail might beg to differ.

Abortion rights gaining momentum in swing states

Ohioans have voted to enshrine reproductive rights in the state’s constitution, marking the seventh win for abortion rights in state referendums since Roe v. Wade was overturned last year, according to the New York Times. Ohio-based politician and presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy voted against Issue 1 on November 7's ballot and called it a “lost battle” for the state and the Republican Party. Ramaswamy also told CNN that he would not sign a federal abortion restriction into law if he won the presidency next year as he believes abortion access should be determined by states.

Neighboring state Pennsylvania also solidified its support for abortion access after Pennsylvanians voted for Democrat Daniel McCaffery to fill the empty seat on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. McCaffery’s oponent Republican Carolyn Carluccio’s opposition to abortion access has drawn criticisms from Planned Parenthood and other reproductive justice organizations. The court now has a 5-2 democratic majority.

Other notable moments

Ohioans also secured another win for Issue 2 on November 7's ballot, legalizing recreational marijuana in the state for adult use, purchase, and possession. However, Republican Governor Mike DeWine said he’s seeking changes to the initiative, one of which is shielding cannabis advertising from children, according to Forbes. Ohio is now one of the 24 states that legalize recreational cannabis.

In Rhode Island, Democrat Gabe Amo became the state’s first Black person to represent the state’s 1st Congressional District in Congress. Amo served in both the Obama and Biden administrations, according to the Associated Press. His work in Congress will hone in on legalizing abortion nationwide, banning assault-style firearms and implementing a background check, and protecting Social Security and Medicare.

Examining Election Day, VP Kamala Harris’s Ratings, and America’s History of Division: Our Body Politic

This episode is a more in-depth recap and analysis of November 7's elections. Guests break down key social movements that helped contribute to the election results as well as the current polarizing state of American democracy. Looking ahead, the episode also looks at VP Kamala Harris's current ratings and discusses how her public appearance doesn’t necessarily reflect her leadership style and political abilities.

This is Jessie Nguyen, The Democracy Group's Community Manager. Here are some of my favorite podcasts this week, check them out!

The Bully Pulpit: Presidential Race 2024

With less than a year before America chooses its president on November 7, this episode is an urgent call for voters to reasses the current state of America’s political climate. Guests discuss the recent debates in the Republican Primary and moments they call “hard to watch.” Current national polls show Trump still leading as the Republican Party’s most favorable candidate, leaving Ron Desantis, Nikki Haley, and Vivek Ramaswamy by far.

Democracy in Danger: Wonder Women

I found this episode especially interesting as it discusses the intersectionality of feminism in cinematography and global feminist movements. With the emphasis on an Indian iconography that represents many burden a woman carries, this episode also delves into how what many consider an outdated idea is still very present in today’s climate. Give this one a listen!

FEATURED EXPERTS

Let's Find Common Ground: Mark Klicker on Finding Common Ground In-Person — Not Over Zoom

Mark Klicker is a state representative for the 16th District in the Washington House of Representatives. His work hones in on solutions for affordable housing, environment policy, and tax relief for the state of Washington. Klicker has worked as a licensed realtor and founded Urban, Farm and Forest Group — a real estate investment and development company specializing in rural projects.

Village SquareCast: Robert D. Putnam on Join or Die

Robert D. Putnam is a political scientist who specializes in comparative politics. Putnam is the Peter and Isabel Malkin Professor of Public Policy at the Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government. He has authored many books including the Bowling Alone series, Our Kids, Democracy in Flux, and Better Together: Restoring the American Community. He also received the National Humanities Medal and the Skytte Prize awards among many other recognitions.