The 2023 Florida election season is just around the corner, and voters will have the opportunity to shape the future of the state. From local races to statewide contests, there are many important positions up for election this year.
This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need to make informed decisions about the candidates running for office. We will cover the major races, the key issues, and the candidates' positions. We will also provide links to additional resources so you can learn more about the candidates and their platforms.
As the election draws closer, we will continue to update this guide with the latest news and developments. Be sure to check back often for the most up-to-date information.
florida election candidates 2023
Voters make important choices.
- Governor race: Incumbent vs. challenger
- New candidates in Senate, House
- Local races: Mayors, commissioners
- School board elections
- Tax referendums
- Constitutional amendments
- Judicial races: Supreme Court, lower courts
- Special elections: Vacant seats
Learn more, make informed decisions.
Governor race: Incumbent vs. challenger
In the Florida governor's race, incumbent Governor Ron DeSantis is facing a challenge from Democratic candidate Charlie Crist. DeSantis, a Republican, is seeking a second term in office. Crist, a former governor of Florida and a former U.S. representative, is hoping to return to the governor's mansion after a four-year absence.
The race is expected to be a close one. DeSantis is a popular figure among Florida Republicans, and he has raised a significant amount of money for his campaign. Crist is a well-known and experienced politician, and he has the support of many Florida Democrats. The outcome of the race could have a significant impact on the future of Florida, as the governor has a great deal of power and influence over state policy.
The two candidates have very different positions on a number of key issues. DeSantis is a strong supporter of gun rights, while Crist is a gun control advocate. DeSantis is also a supporter of school choice, while Crist is opposed to taxpayer-funded school voucher programs. On environmental issues, DeSantis has been criticized for his handling of water quality issues, while Crist has made protecting Florida's natural resources a centerpiece of his campaign.
The race is expected to be decided by a narrow margin. Recent polls show the two candidates in a dead heat. The outcome of the race will have a significant impact on the future of Florida, so voters should be sure to educate themselves on the candidates and their positions before casting their ballot.
Be sure to check back often for the latest news and developments in the Florida governor's race.
New candidates in Senate, House
In addition to the governor's race, there are a number of other important races taking place in Florida in 2023. All 40 seats in the Florida Senate and all 120 seats in the Florida House of Representatives are up for election. There are many new candidates running for office this year, and they are hoping to bring fresh perspectives and new ideas to the state legislature.
Some of the key issues that the new candidates are focusing on include education, healthcare, and the environment. Many of the new candidates are also running on platforms of bipartisanship and cooperation. They believe that the state legislature can be more effective if Republicans and Democrats work together to find common ground.
The elections for the Florida Senate and House of Representatives are important because the state legislature has a great deal of power and influence over state policy. The legislature makes laws, sets the budget, and oversees state agencies. The outcome of these elections will have a significant impact on the future of Florida.
Voters should be sure to learn about the new candidates running for office in their districts. They can do this by attending candidate forums, reading candidate questionnaires, and visiting the candidates' websites. Voters should also be sure to vote in the election on November 8, 2023.
The new candidates in the Florida Senate and House of Representatives are hoping to make a difference. They are running on platforms of change and progress. Voters should learn about the new candidates and vote for the ones they believe will best represent their interests.
Local races: Mayors, commissioners
In addition to the state and federal races, there are also a number of important local races taking place in Florida in 2023. These races include elections for mayor, city commissioner, and county commissioner.
- Mayors:
The mayor is the head of the city government. The mayor's responsibilities typically include overseeing the city budget, appointing city officials, and representing the city at public events.
- City commissioners:
City commissioners are elected officials who serve on the city council. The city council is responsible for making laws and setting policies for the city. City commissioners also oversee the city budget and approve major city projects.
- County commissioners:
County commissioners are elected officials who serve on the county commission. The county commission is responsible for making laws and setting policies for the county. County commissioners also oversee the county budget and approve major county projects.
- Importance of local races:
Local races are important because they have a direct impact on the quality of life in our communities. The mayor, city commissioners, and county commissioners make decisions that affect everything from our roads and parks to our schools and libraries.
Voters should be sure to learn about the candidates running for local office in their communities. They can do this by attending candidate forums, reading candidate questionnaires, and visiting the candidates' websites. Voters should also be sure to vote in the election on November 8, 2023.
School board elections
School board elections are also taking place in Florida in 2023. School board members are responsible for overseeing the public schools in their districts. They make decisions about school budgets, curriculum, and personnel.
- Importance of school board elections:
School board elections are important because they have a direct impact on the quality of education in our communities. School board members make decisions that affect everything from the curriculum to the hiring of teachers.
- Key issues in school board elections:
Some of the key issues in school board elections this year include school safety, teacher pay, and parental involvement in education.
- Candidates in school board elections:
There are a variety of candidates running for school board in Florida this year. Some candidates are incumbents who are seeking re-election, while others are challengers who are hoping to unseat the incumbents.
- How to learn more about school board candidates:
Voters can learn more about the candidates running for school board in their districts by attending candidate forums, reading candidate questionnaires, and visiting the candidates' websites.
Voters should be sure to vote in the school board election on November 8, 2023. The future of our public schools depends on it.
Tax referendums
In addition to the candidate races, there will also be a number of tax referendums on the ballot in Florida in 2023. Tax referendums are questions that ask voters to approve or reject proposed changes to the state's tax laws.
- Importance of tax referendums:
Tax referendums are important because they give voters a direct say in how their tax dollars are spent. Tax referendums can also have a significant impact on the state budget.
- Key issues in tax referendums:
Some of the key issues that are likely to be addressed in tax referendums this year include property taxes, sales taxes, and income taxes.
- How to learn more about tax referendums:
Voters can learn more about the tax referendums on the ballot by reading the ballot language, attending public hearings, and visiting the websites of the organizations that are supporting and opposing the referendums.
- How to vote in tax referendums:
Voters can vote in tax referendums by mail or in person on Election Day. To vote by mail, voters must request a mail ballot from their county supervisor of elections. To vote in person, voters must go to their assigned polling place on Election Day.
Voters should be sure to educate themselves on the tax referendums on the ballot before casting their votes. Tax referendums can have a significant impact on the state budget and on the lives of Florida residents.
Constitutional amendments
In addition to the candidate races and tax referendums, there will also be a number of constitutional amendments on the ballot in Florida in 2023. Constitutional amendments are proposed changes to the Florida Constitution. If a constitutional amendment is approved by a majority of voters, it becomes part of the state constitution.
- Importance of constitutional amendments:
Constitutional amendments are important because they can have a significant impact on the state government and on the lives of Florida residents. Constitutional amendments can change everything from the structure of the state government to the rights of individuals.
- Key issues in constitutional amendments:
Some of the key issues that are likely to be addressed in constitutional amendments this year include voting rights, criminal justice, and environmental protection.
- How to learn more about constitutional amendments:
Voters can learn more about the constitutional amendments on the ballot by reading the ballot language, attending public hearings, and visiting the websites of the organizations that are supporting and opposing the amendments.
- How to vote in constitutional amendments:
Voters can vote in constitutional amendments by mail or in person on Election Day. To vote by mail, voters must request a mail ballot from their county supervisor of elections. To vote in person, voters must go to their assigned polling place on Election Day.
Voters should be sure to educate themselves on the constitutional amendments on the ballot before casting their votes. Constitutional amendments can have a significant impact on the state government and on the lives of Florida residents.
Judicial races: Supreme Court, lower courts
In addition to the candidate races, tax referendums, and constitutional amendments, there will also be a number of judicial races on the ballot in Florida in 2023. These races include elections for seats on the Florida Supreme Court and on the lower state courts.
- Importance of judicial races:
Judicial races are important because judges have a significant impact on our lives. Judges make decisions that affect everything from our criminal justice system to our property rights.
- Key issues in judicial races:
Some of the key issues that are likely to be addressed in judicial races this year include abortion, gun rights, and the death penalty.
- Candidates in judicial races:
There are a variety of candidates running for judicial office in Florida this year. Some candidates are incumbents who are seeking re-election, while others are challengers who are hoping to unseat the incumbents.
- How to learn more about judicial candidates:
Voters can learn more about the candidates running for judicial office in their districts by attending candidate forums, reading candidate questionnaires, and visiting the candidates' websites.
Voters should be sure to educate themselves on the judicial candidates on the ballot before casting their votes. Judges have a significant impact on our lives, so it is important to elect qualified and fair-minded judges.
Special elections: Vacant seats
In addition to the regularly scheduled elections, there will also be a number of special elections held in Florida in 2023. Special elections are held to fill vacant seats in the state legislature and in other elected offices.
Vacant seats can occur for a variety of reasons, such as death, resignation, or removal from office. When a vacancy occurs, the governor has the authority to call a special election to fill the seat. Special elections are typically held within a few months of the vacancy occurring.
The candidates in special elections are typically the same as the candidates who ran in the previous election for the seat. However, there may be some new candidates who enter the race. The rules for special elections are the same as the rules for regular elections.
Special elections are important because they allow voters to fill vacant seats in the state legislature and in other elected offices. This ensures that the government can continue to function properly.
Voters should be sure to participate in special elections whenever they are held. Special elections are just as important as regular elections, and they give voters a chance to have a say in who represents them in government.
FAQ
Do you have questions about the Florida 2023 election? Here are some frequently asked questions and answers:
Question 1: When is the Florida 2023 election?
Answer 1: The Florida 2023 election will be held on Tuesday, November 8, 2023.
Question 2: What offices are up for election in Florida in 2023?
Answer 2: All 40 seats in the Florida Senate, all 120 seats in the Florida House of Representatives, the Governor's seat, and various local offices, including mayors, city commissioners, and county commissioners.
Question 3: Who can vote in the Florida 2023 election?
Answer 3: To vote in the Florida 2023 election, you must be a U.S. citizen, a Florida resident, and at least 18 years old on or before Election Day. You must also be registered to vote.
Question 4: How can I register to vote in Florida?
Answer 4: You can register to vote in Florida online, by mail, or in person at your local supervisor of elections office. The deadline to register to vote in the Florida 2023 election is October 11, 2023.
Question 5: What is the deadline to request a mail ballot in Florida?
Answer 5: The deadline to request a mail ballot in Florida is October 24, 2023.
Question 6: Where can I find more information about the Florida 2023 election?
Answer 6: You can find more information about the Florida 2023 election on the Florida Division of Elections website.
Question 7: What are the key issues in the Florida 2023 election?
Answer 7: Some of the key issues in the Florida 2023 election include abortion, gun control, education, healthcare, and the environment.
Closing Paragraph:
We hope this FAQ has answered some of your questions about the Florida 2023 election. For more information, please visit the Florida Division of Elections website or contact your local supervisor of elections office.
As Election Day approaches, be sure to stay informed about the candidates and the issues. You can do this by reading the news, attending candidate forums, and visiting the candidates' websites.
Tips
Here are a few tips for Florida voters to ensure a smooth and successful election experience:
Tip 1: Register to vote early.
The deadline to register to vote in the Florida 2023 election is October 11, 2023. Don't wait until the last minute to register. Register early so you have plenty of time to receive your voter information card and learn about the candidates and the issues.
Tip 2: Request a mail ballot.
If you prefer to vote from the comfort of your own home, you can request a mail ballot. The deadline to request a mail ballot in Florida is October 24, 2023. To request a mail ballot, you can visit the Florida Division of Elections website or contact your local supervisor of elections office.
Tip 3: Study the candidates and the issues.
Before you cast your ballot, take some time to learn about the candidates and the issues. You can do this by reading the news, attending candidate forums, and visiting the candidates' websites. Make sure you are well-informed before you vote.
Tip 4: Vote on Election Day.
If you do not vote by mail, you can vote in person on Election Day, November 8, 2023. Polls will be open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. To find your polling place, visit the Florida Division of Elections website or contact your local supervisor of elections office.
Closing Paragraph:
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your vote counts in the Florida 2023 election. Every vote matters, so make sure your voice is heard.
The Florida 2023 election is an important opportunity for voters to shape the future of their state. By registering to vote, requesting a mail ballot, studying the candidates and the issues, and voting on Election Day, you can help make a difference.
Conclusion
The Florida 2023 election is an important opportunity for voters to shape the future of their state. There are many important races on the ballot, including the governor's race, the races for the state legislature, and various local races. Voters will also have the opportunity to vote on a number of constitutional amendments and tax referendums.
It is important for voters to be informed about the candidates and the issues before they cast their ballots. Voters can do this by reading the news, attending candidate forums, and visiting the candidates' websites. Voters should also make sure they are registered to vote and that they have a plan for voting on Election Day.
Every vote matters, so make sure your voice is heard in the Florida 2023 election.