US Election Day 2023: Three takeaways after Americans went to the polls

The White House election isn't happening right now; that's next year. But there was a big night in US politics on Tuesday.
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In some states, people voted to choose their governor and who controls their legislature. In other places, they talked about changing the rules about abortion.

The votes are still being counted, but here's what we know so far.


1) Abortion is still an important issue
In Ohio, people voted for a change to their state's rules to make sure abortion rights are protected.

This vote was like a test to see if protecting abortion rights is still something people care about. Last year, the Supreme Court said it's up to states to decide about abortion. From what we've seen so far, it's clear that this issue still matters to many voters.


Take Virginia, for example. Abortion was a big part of the discussion before Tuesday's election. Democrats are expected to keep control of the state Senate, which means they can stop the Republican governor from making stricter abortion rules.

2) A Democrat can win in a place that likes Trump
Kentucky strongly supported Donald Trump for president in 2020, and it's usually a tough place for Democrats to win.

But Governor Andy Beshear was re-elected even though his opponent, Daniel Cameron, tried to connect him to President Joe Biden and the Democratic Party. Cameron talked about issues like inflation, crime, and social matters, which made the race closer in the final weeks.


Beshear, who is often seen as a popular governor, focused on local and state problems. He also pointed out that his opponent had extreme views on abortion. This might be a strategy for Democrats in states that typically vote for Republicans.

3) From prison to politics? Yes, it can happen
Yusef Salaam was wrongly accused as a teenager in the Central Park jogger case in 1989. He spent time in jail before the real criminal confessed and his conviction was overturned.


On Tuesday, Salaam, who is now an author and activist, won a seat on the New York City Council. He talked about his experience in a system that tried to make him believe he was the worst nightmare of his ancestors.

He said this win means that people like him can achieve their ancestors' dreams. We kindly request you to disseminate this news and provide your insights in the comments section. Thank you