Election Day 2023 live updates: Here are the races to watch as voters make their voices heard

 Election Day 2023 live updates: Here are the races to watch as voters make their voices heard

Americans from coast to coast will vote in Tuesday's off-year election, making their voices heard on controversial ballot measures, competitive governor's races and more.

While voters won't be picking any presidential candidates this year, they will weigh in on abortion rights, marijuana legalization and other contentious debates. In Virginia, voters will decide whether to hand a victory to Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin and his conservative agenda. And in Mississippi, they'll reflect whether Democrats have made inroads in the South.

 

Election Day 2023 live updates: Here are the races to watch as voters make their voices heard

Marina Pitofsky

Phillip M. Bailey

David Jackson

Kinsey Crowley

Sudiksha Kochi

Savannah Kuchar

USA TODAY

Americans from coast to coast will vote in Tuesday's off-year election, making their voices heard on controversial ballot measures, competitive governor's races and more.

While voters won't be picking any presidential candidates this year, they will weigh in on abortion rights, marijuana legalization and other contentious debates. In Virginia, voters will decide whether to hand a victory to Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin and his conservative agenda. And in Mississippi, they'll reflect whether Democrats have made inroads in the South.

Ahead of the 2024 race for the White House, voters could also send a signal about whether they're backing President Joe Biden's leadership − or if they're looking for other options.

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Keep up with USA TODAY's live coverage of Election Day 2023 here.

Disinformation, AI and poll-worker problems: How elections this week could preview 2024

Election experts told USA TODAY several statewide elections on Tuesday − which include governor races in Kentucky and Mississippi − could preview challenges that might arise during the 2024 presidential election.

That includes whether states can overcome challenges to recruit poll workers, adapt to voting law changes, maintain high voter turnout levels and combat the spread of disinformation.

“There are elections all around the country that I think serve kind of as a bellwether for how next year will go,” said Tammy Patrick, CEO for programs at the National Association of Election Officials.

− Rachel Looker and Joey Garrison

When do polls close?

It depends on your state or local area. Here's a look at some of the poll schedules across the country:

In Ohio, voters must cast ballots at their designated polling place between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.

In Kentucky, polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 6 p.m.

In Virginia, polling hours are from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m.

− Marina Pitofsky

Kentucky man allegedly threatens voters

A Louisville man was arrested Tuesday after allegedly damaging a machine and threatening voters at a polling location on Election Day. The incident took place just after 9:15 a.m. Tuesday, according to area police.

Officers who responded found a man on the scene who was "making threatening gestures toward voters" while "wielding a flag attached to a fishing pole." The man, identified by police as 40-year-old Jacen Cockerell, is also accused of damaging a voting machine by ripping off a printer that was attached to it.

Cockerell is charged with tampering/destruction of a voting machine and interfering with an election, both felonies, along with two misdemeanor counts of menacing.

− Lucas Aulbach

Virginia race results may be close and slow to come 

All eyes might be on Virginia, but the country could have to be patient for the state’s final results.  

With the state's deadline for mail in ballots at noon on Monday and some races potentially coming down to a tight margin, there's a “strong likelihood” that the outcome will not be set by the end of Election Day, said Heather Williams, interim president of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee. 

“These races are on a razor's edge,” Williams said in a press conference Monday. “We want to prepare you all for a long wait.” 

It could be a waiting game then to see if Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Republicans are successful in their push to turn the state legislature red, or whether Democrats there manage to hold their state Senate majority. 

− Savannah Kuchar

Mother of 10-year-old girl killed in Uvalde school shooting runs for mayor

Kimberly Mata-Rubio, whose 10-year-old daughter Lexi Rubio was killed during the shooting at Robb Elementary School last year, is running for mayor of Uvalde in this year’s election.

Mata-Rubio, 34, is seeking to succeed Mayor Don McLaughlin, who is stepping down after nearly 10 years leading the city to pursue a seat in the Texas House.

“I grieve for the woman you would have become and all the difference you would have made in this world,” Mata-Rubio wrote on X when she announced her run. “I grieve for the woman I was when you were still here. But, one part of me still exist, I am still your mom. I will honor your life with action. This is only the beginning.

− Ryan Autullo and Sudiksha Kochi

What is today's election?

The 2023 election is what's known as an off-year election. It's not a year where voters will cast their ballots for a presidential candidate.

They also won't weigh in on a "midterm" race, which usually comes halfway into a president's term and can serve as a referendum on the commander in chief. .

But that doesn't mean there aren't contentious elections this year. From ballot measures on abortion rights and marijuana legalization, to competitive legislative races, Americans will still make their voices heard Tuesday night.

– Marina Pitofsky

Colorado voters consider Proposition HH

In the Centennial State, voters will weigh in on a measure known as Proposition HH.

The proposal asks whether voters want the state to keep some amount of surplus tax revenue that Colorado's constitution requires be refunded to taxpayers. In exchange, the measure would lower property tax rates for a decade. A portion of the funds the state retains would be spent on education and rental assistance.

The proposal was introduced by Democratic Gov. Jared Polis and Democratic lawmakers.

– Associated Press

Virginia sends a 2024 signal

Virginia might be the country's modern bellwether, with their constituents having a near-perfect track record for picking recent national election winners. But before 2024's national elections can officially begin, voters and activists from both parties in the state say they're focused on winning this year.

Senators and representatives from the Virginia State Senate and House of Delegates are all up for reelection for the first time in four years.

Youngkin and other Virginia Republicans hope to hold their majority in the state House and flip their Senate red, much like the national GOP aspires to keep the U.S. House of Representatives and take back the majority in the Senate. But Democrats are hoping to block Youngkin's conservative agenda into 2024 and beyond.

– Savannah Kuchar

Ohio election results: Abortion ballot measure in the Buckeye State

The eyes of the nation are on Ohio as voters in the state head to decide on an abortion ballot measure that has the potential to rock the state and send a message to the rest of the country.

Ohio voters will consider Issue 1, a measure that would enshrine abortion rights in the state's constitution through viability, typically around 24 weeks gestation. After that, a doctor could perform an abortion to save the life or health of the pregnant patient.

Ohio is the only state to have an abortion measure on the ballot this fall.

– Sudiksha Kochi

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders makes Election Day endorsement for Donald Trump

A southern governor, who is not up for election today, still told voters she's endorsing Donald Trump for another term as president.

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Trump's former White House press secretary, said "it’s not a question between right versus left anymore."

Sanders is scheduled to attend Trump's rally on Wednesday in Hialeah, Fla., opposite the third Republican primary debate in neighboring Miami.

– David Jackson

Kentucky Democrats edge out Republicans in early voting

The 2023 election is Kentucky’s first gubernatorial contest where three days of early voting were approved, and it appears Democrats were more eager this year.

In the closely watched race between incumbent Andy Beshear and Republican challenger Daniel Cameron, which is seen as a harbinger for 2024, a total of 260,324 people cast a ballot through no-excuse, in-person voting, according to the secretary of state’s office.

Of those, 133,169 ballots, or 51.2%, were Democrats versus 112,398, or 43.2%, who were Republicans. Beshear’s party did even better when other forms of early voting − such as mail-in ballots and excused in-person voting − were taken into account.

Polling shows Beshear and Cameron, the state’s attorney general, are tied at 47%.

– Phillip M. Bailey

2023 Houston mayoral election draws high-profile candidates, national interest 

The nation’s fourth most populous city is electing a new mayor out of a crowded field of 18 candidates. The seat was previously held by Sylvester Turner, who reached his term limit.  

Democratic lawmakers U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee and state Sen. John Whitmire have emerged as the frontrunners in the race, both touting their extensive experience, according to the Associated Press. The race has been focused on crime, infrastructure and impending budget problems.  

According to The Texas Tribune, Whitmire outpaced Jackson Lee in funds, but Jackson Lee landed endorsements from powerhouse Democrats like Nancy Pelosi and Hillary Clinton. 

–Kinsey Crowley

In Florida, all eyes are on Orlando for mayor, House rep. primary elections  

Three challengers are running against Orlando Mayor incumbent Buddy Dyer, who has held the position since 2003, longer than anyone in the city's history. He has said it will be his last 4-year term if he wins.  

The three candidates running against Dyer are:  

Sam Ings, retired Orlando Police Department Captain and former Orlando city commissioner 

Tony Vargas, business owner and fitness trainer 

Steve Dixon, former marine and defense industry executive 

A special primary election is also being held for Florida House District 35, which covers most of the greater Orlando area. Republican Fred Hawkins won the seat handily in 2022 before stepping down to become the president of South Florida State College.  

– C. A. Bridges, USA TODAY NETWORK - Florida 

Taylor Swift calls on fans to vote on Election Day   

Pop icon Taylor Swift has summoned her loyal faction of fans to get out and vote.  

“Voters gonna vote!” Swift said in an Instagram story posted Tuesday morning. 

“It’s election Day! If you’re registered in Colorado, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania Texas or Virginia, it’s time to use your voice,” the post said to her 275 million Instagram followers. She also provided a link to Vote.org, encouraging people to learn what is on their ballot before arriving at the polls.  

Swift has been working with Vote.org for several years. She helped drive 35,000 people to register to vote through the organization on National Voter Registration Day in September after posting an Instagram story about it.  

–Emily DeLetter 

Constitutional amendments on ballot in Texas as voters weigh historic budget measures

Texans will be voting on 14 statewide constitutional amendments, plus a few local propositions for Travis County, where Austin is located.  

Many proposed statewide changes came out of a contentious budget negotiation process earlier this year, during which lawmakers fought over the best way to get the $33 billion budget surplus back to taxpayers.  

Here are some highlights of Texas' proposed constitutional amendments:  

Prevent a wealth tax: Proposition 3 would prohibit an individual wealth or net worth tax — in other words, a tax on the value of one's assets minus liabilities. Texas does not have such a tax. 

University research funding: Proposition 5 would expand funding for research grants for Texas public universities, with hopes of elevating national prominence and boosting state economy.  

Electricity plants: This amendment would create a $5 billion state energy fund to provide loans or grants to companies to build or upgrade electricity generating plants. 

Retired teacher cost-of-living adjustment: Proposition 9 authorizes the first permanent cost-of-living adjustments for retired teachers in nearly two decades, as approved by the Legislature earlier this year.  

Medical manufacturer tax break: Proposition 10 would allow the state to exempt medical or biomedical equipment manufacturers from paying property taxes on their inventory and equipment used in the manufacturing process. 

Raise retirement age for judges: Proposition 13 would raise the mandatory retirement age for state judges from 75 to 79. 

–Bianca Moreno-Paz, Jesus Vidales, Hogan Gore; Austin American-Statesman 

Pennsylvania State Supreme Court election could provide 2024 insights; Cherelle Parker faces David Oh in Philadelphia

In Pennsylvania, voters will weigh in on who should fill an open seat on the state’s Supreme Court following the death of Chief Justice Max Baer last year.  

Democrat Daniel McCaffery and Republican Carolyn Carluccio are vying for the seat to join the court that with Baer gave Democrats a 5-2 majority. The court currently has four Democrat and two Republican justices. The results of the election could provide insight on where the swing state could go for the 2024 races.  

In Philadelphia, a Black woman is poised to become the first woman and the 100th mayor of the city. Cherelle Parker won the crowded Democratic primary in May and faces Republican David Oh in the general election.  

- Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY; Associated Press 

Fearful of voter fraud? Officials aim to earn your trust in 2024

WASHINGTON − Ahead of another election cycle that is already shaping up to be contentious, federal and state election officials are in the midst of campaigns of their own to reassure wary voters about the integrity of casting their ballots.

They are recruiting poll workers, certifying voting machines and hosting lessons on how election systems work in community centers, classrooms and libraries.

The steps are needed, experts say, to restore voters' confidence in a system that, despite some flaws and outspoken election deniers, was mostly trustworthy and secure in the first place.

Those fraud claims, in part, gave rise to calls for major overhauls of election systems in some states led mostly by Republican lawmakers. Some, particularly voters of color, were already skeptical of a system with a history of discrimination that hasn't always been open to them. New laws to restrict access has fueled that mistrust, experts said.

Much of the work of assuring voters will fall to local elections officials, experts said. Americans have more trust in their local election systems, which they’re more familiar with, according to the nonpartisan Pew Research Center.

"People know their local election officials. They know when they go to city or town hall that they trust the people that work there,'' said Rob Rock, Rhode Island's deputy secretary of state. "It's really important to make sure that people understand the process.''

–Deborah Barfield Berry and Terry Collins

Read the story:Fearful of voter fraud? Here's what officials are doing now to earn your trust in 2024.

Mississippi election results: Can a cousin of Elvis Presley make a deep-red state competitive?

Democrats looking to regain long-lost political ground in the South have a unique opportunity this week: In Mississippi, of all places.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Brandon Presley is making a surprisingly strong run at incumbent GOP Gov. Tate Reeves in one of the most Republican states in the nation, much less the South.

Presley, a member of the Mississippi Public Service Commission, is threatening an upset with the kind of campaign that many southern Democrats run these days: Play up economic issues for middle class voters, play down social issues like abortion and distance yourself from the national Democratic Party.

– David Jackson

Why there are no NBA games on Election Day again this year

For the second consecutive season, there will be no NBA games scheduled for Election Day as the league encourages fans and the community to vote on Nov. 7 in the United States.

The NBA has shared resources from voting organizations and highlighted the civic engagement work of teams in their markets ahead of Election Day.

Players around the NBA have each worn specialized warmup shirts promoting the importance of voting. The league, players and teams have also shared various voting resources on their social media channels leading up to Tuesday.

The NBA has often taken a strong stance on several key social issues in the past. The decision to take Election Day off is the latest gesture the league has implemented to encourage fans to create change by hitting the polls and casting their ballots.

-Cody Taylor

These are the races to watch

There are four separate fields on Tuesday where voters can have an impact, including an abortion amendment in Ohio and a surprising nail-biter for governor in Mississippi.

Other elections that might have national ramifications are the Virginia legislative races, where Gov. Glenn Youngkin (still mentioned as a possible presidential conte

nder) is looking to consolidate power on his conservative agenda.

There is also Kentucky, where Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear is looking to fend off a Republican foe in a state the GOP has dominated.

– Tanjil Khan