Unpacking the 2023 Election

The Community's Conversation

Every U.S. election now feels like a litmus test for the health and future of American democracy, and this year is no exception.

On November 7, Ohioans took to the polls by the millions to decide key issues, including overwhelmingly approving both an amendment to the Ohio constitution to enshrine reproductive rights and a statute to legalize recreational marijuana for adults. Columbus voters elected City Councilmembers, retruned an incumbant Mayor to office, and approved funding levies for Columbus City Schools and the Columbus Metropolitan Library.

With a diverse panel of experts, we dive into an analysis of the 2023 election results, look at what the future might hold after Ohio’s voters have spoken, and check in on the health of American democracy. Featuring Haley BeMiller, Political Reporter, USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau; Wendy Smooth, Ph.D. Professor of Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies and Senior Vice Provost for Inclusive Excellence, The Ohio State University; Meredith Freedhoff, Chairwoman, Franklin County Republican Party; Julie Womack, Head of Organizing, Red, Wine, & Blue; and moderator Julie Carr Smyth, Government & Politics Reporter, The Associated Press.

This forum was sponsored by G2G Consulting. The forum partner was The League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Columbus, with support from The Columbus Dispatch and The Ellis.

The forum livestream was presented by The Center for Human Kindness at The Columbus Foundation and The Columbus Dispatch.

It was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus, Ohio's historic Italian Village on November 8, 2023.