Female Voters Poised to Play Key Role in Upcoming Presidential Election

 

With less than a month to go until the presidential election, voters across the United States are already casting their early ballots. As the race appears to hinge on a handful of critical states, female voters and their priorities could prove decisive in determining the outcome.

Polling data reveals a significant gender gap, the largest seen in presidential elections since 1980. This gap, which measures the voting differences between women and men, is crucial for Kamala Harris and other Democrats. To secure victory, they need to garner substantial support from women while minimizing losses among men. Recent surveys indicate this gender gap is substantial. A September Quinnipiac University poll shows women favoring Harris at 53%, while 41% back Donald Trump, giving Harris a 12-point edge. In contrast, men support Trump at 54%, with only 40% backing Harris, yielding a 14-point lead for Trump. An August Suffolk University poll presented an even wider gap, with women supporting Harris at 57% compared to 36% for Trump.

The issues influencing voting decisions differ between genders. Since the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision allowing states to ban abortion, this topic has emerged as a primary concern for female voters, particularly younger women. Polls indicate that while the economy and inflation rank high for male voters, abortion takes precedence among women, especially those under 45.

A recent poll conducted by Intersections of Our Lives highlights that women of color, particularly Black, Latina, and Asian American voters, prioritize a broad range of reproductive health issues, from access to birth control to ensuring the legality and affordability of abortion services.

Further emphasizing the urgency of these concerns, a survey of unmarried women under 55 conducted by PSG Consulting found that many fear losing essential rights related to reproductive health care, believing that Democratic control of Congress and the White House would be more favorable for addressing these issues.

The mobilization of female voters is evident this election season. Since President Joe Biden's announcement that he would not seek reelection, there has been a notable increase in voter registration among young Black and Latina women. Reports from TargetSmart indicate a significant uptick in registration, with Black women ages 18-29 seeing a nearly tripling of registrations, and a 150% increase among Latina women in the same age group, compared to 2020 figures.

Perceptions of the candidates also reveal stark contrasts. A New York Times/Siena College poll earlier this year indicated that only 31% of women believe Trump respects women. In contrast, women view Harris more favorably, with 58% considering her ethical, compared to 64% who perceive Trump as lacking ethics. Furthermore, a majority of women believe Harris cares about issues affecting them and has strong leadership skills, whereas many view Trump negatively in these areas. Notably, 69% of women affirm that Harris has the mental fitness necessary for presidential office, while only 57% extend the same confidence to Trump.

As the election approaches, the influence of female voters is becoming increasingly apparent, underscoring their pivotal role in shaping the future of American leadership.