12 States Still Having Elections This Year
Phew! Isn’t it great to be finished with election season? All the political ads, the social media banter, the constant stream of think pieces — frankly, we’re not complaining that the hubbub has died down a bit.
Oh, wait, hold the phone — there are still elections going on? We’re not done with this democracy thing? Give us a moment while we pick our jaws up off the floor (and spoon some Chocolate Fudge Brownie in there while we’re at it).
Okay, we’re ready now.
It’s true: even in off-year 2017, there are still 12 states having elections for national and state positions. That means that even though the ‘big-ticket’ elections are a few years off, you may still live in a state where you can take action this year on the issues you believe in by voting for your Congresspeople, governors, state legislators, and ballot measures.
Many of the issues that we (and you!) care about are under attack, so it has never been more important for you to exercise your right to vote at every chance possible. We’ve seen politicians jockey to reduce voting rights among Black Americans, students, and the elderly through voter ID laws and reduce the impact of our votes through convoluted gerrymandering. So if you live in one of these 12 states, get registered, and get voting — don’t let those who are trying to suppress your vote succeed! There are too many hot-button issues at stake for us to sit back and wait for others to do the deciding for us.
Here’s what to look for in your state:
Alabama
On December 12th, Alabama will vote to fill one of its two US Senate seats, replacing Jeff Sessions now that he has been confirmed as US Attorney General (but don’t get us going about that…). Want a voice in Washington politics, Alabama? Here’s your chance.
Georgia
On April 18th, Georgia’s 6th Congressional district held a special election to vote in a new representative to the House of Representatives, replacing Representative Tom Price, who is now serving as the US Secretary of Health and Human Services. Unfortunately, neither candidate in April’s election received over 50% of the vote, so Georgia will vote again on June 20th in a runoff election. So there’s still time to make your voice heard!
Take Action Now!
Register to Vote Here
LOUISIANA
On October 14th, Louisiana will vote on a ballot measure regarding property tax exemptions for surviving spouses of emergency workers killed in the line of duty. The election is still pending the governor’s signature, however, so keep your eyes peeled for updates, Louisiana.
MAINE
Maine will vote on November 7th on a ballot measure that would earmark $50 billion in bonds for investment in business and technology sectors. But the real question is how many lobster rolls that could buy us...
NEW JERSEY
Get ready, New Jersey, 2017 is your time to shine at the voting booth! On November 7th, New Jersey votes for a new governor, lieutenant governor, 40 members of the state Senate, all 80 members of the state Assembly, and a ballot measure which would dedicate revenue from environmental lawsuits to environmental projects. Game on, Garden State!
NEW YORK
New York votes on two statewide ballot measures on November 7th: one that would call for a constitutional convention to explore possible changes to the state constitution, and one that would allow judges to reduce or revoke the state pension of a state officer convicted of a felony related to his or her job. Exciting stuff, New York!
OHIO
On November 7th, Ohio votes on a ballot measure that would ensure that the Ohio Department of Medicaid pays no more for prescription drugs than the US Department of Veterans Affairs does.
Take Action Now!
Register to Vote Here
SOUTH CAROLINA
Get ready, Palmetto State, the ballots are coming for you! South Carolina’s 5th Congressional district votes on June 20th for a new House Representative to replace Representative Mick Mulvaney, who was confirmed as the director of the US Office of Management and Budget.
TEXAS
They say everything’s bigger in Texas, and when it comes to state ballot measures on the state’s November 7th ballot, they’re not wrong. Texas voters will vote on no less than seven ballot measures this year on a wide variety of topics. Check them all out here!
UTAH
Utahns will vote on November 7th to replace US House Representative Jason Chaffetz, who has announced his plans to resign in June. Could it have anything to do with constituents’ desire for him to “do his job”? Hmmm.
VIRGINIA
Get registered, Virginia, there’s a heck of a ballot coming your way. On November 7th, Virginia will vote for a new governor, lieutenant governor, and all 100 seats in the House of Delegates. If you want to have a say in Virginia state politics for the next few years, the 2017 election is the time to act!
WEST VIRGINIA
West Virginians will vote on one ballot measure this November 7th, one that would authorize $1.6 billion in bonds for highways, roads, and bridges. Sadly, there is no option to put those billions toward pints of Half Baked.
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