The Evolving Role of Women Voters: From the 19th Amendment to the 2024 Elections
With the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920, women earning the right to vote marked a huge milestone in American history. Since then, women’s political participation has evolved and it has helped shape not only electrical outcomes but also party dynamics.
Today, we will explore the role of women voters, how it has changed since the 19th amendment, and what it means today as the 2024 elections approach.
Some Historical Perspective on Women’s Voting Behavior
After the 10th Amendment passed, it took a few decades for women’s voting patterns to start influencing the outcomes of elections. In the early to mid-20th century, women used to base their voting behavior based on what their husbands or male family members did.
Party loyalty played a big role as well and, during that period, women voters were mainly aligned with the Republican Party. That’s because the Republican Party was associated with the women’s suffrage movement and it had a focus on issues like social reform.
However, things began to change in the latter half of the 20th century, particularly during the 1960s and 1970s. The feminist movement, combined with social and cultural changes, led society to reevaluate traditional gender roles. As a result, women started to reassess their political affiliations.
That’s when women voters began to gravitate towards the Democratic Party. They were drawn to platforms that advocated for reproductive freedom, women’s rights, and social welfare programs.
By the late 20th and early 21st centuries, women voters and their political affiliations were diverse. Many women identified as independent voters because they cared more about issues than political party labels, so that’s what they based their votes on.
The Evolution of Female Voter Turnout
The topic of female voter turnout evolution is quite complex, but there’s a lot of research on the subject. In this paper by Elizabeth U. Cascio and Na’ama Shenhav, published in the Journal of Economic Perspectives, they analyzed voter turnout data since 1920 to reveal the transformation of women’s political engagement.
Initially trailing behind men by approximately 10 percentage points in voter turnout, women steadily closed the gap in the decades that followed. By 1964, women were almost head-to-head with men in voter turnout. Eventually, women voters surpassed men voters by 4 to 5 percentage points in recent elections.
This shift was influenced by several factors. For example, greater educational opportunities for women empowered them to engage more actively in public affairs. Legal reforms and cultural changes also had an impact because they promoted gender equality, encouraging women to exercise their political rights.
Recent Trends: Women Voters in the 21st Century
In the 21st century, the power that women voters have to shape electoral outcomes is undeniable. Their turnout even often overshadows the turnout of men. For example, data from the Pew Research Center from the 2020 presidential election shows that 50% of the electorate was female, highlighting the significant impact of women voters on the political landscape.
Recent elections have also shown a big change in the voting patterns of men and women. While women have traditionally leaned towards the Democratic Party, there has been a growing gender gap in political preferences, with women showing more support for Democratic candidates compared to men.
The last two decades of Pew Research Center surveys have shown that, among registered voters, 56% of women affiliate with or lean toward the Democratic Party, compared with 44% of men. From 2010 through 2015, about half of women (51%-52%) preferred the Democratic Party. The number rose to 54% in 2016 and 56% in 2017.
Looking Ahead to the 2024 Elections
As the 2024 elections come closer, it’s important to consider and understand the dynamics of women’s voting behavior. Many different factors are set to influence women’s political preferences and turnout in the upcoming election cycle. A lot of those factors are linked to the current societal climate and to issues that affect women’s quality of life, rights, and more.
For example, issues such as reproductive rights, healthcare access, and economic equality are resonating with women voters across the ideological spectrum. The position of candidates on issues like these will play a major role in swaying women voters and mobilizing them.
It’s also important to keep in mind that the demographic composition of women voters continues to evolve. The diversity among age, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status has been increasing and it will continue to do so. Overall, women represent a powerful voting bloc, and politicians are increasingly focused on understanding and winning their votes.
The Apprehension of Women Voters in 2024
A recent survey conducted by theSkimm suggests that many women are feeling anxious and disheartened about the upcoming election. The survey showed that a majority of respondents believe lawmakers are not prioritizing policies that support women.
It doesn’t matter what political party they’re affiliated with, it seems women are apprehensive about the 2024 elections. Most women voters are concerned about major issues that aren’t as addressed as they would like. Those issues include reproductive rights, maternal health, equal pay, and childcare access.
Based on the same survey, it’s interesting to see that a big chunk of Republican respondents showed support for reproductive rights. That shows that women voters have a more nuanced stance.
The Power of Women’s Voices and Political Involvement
When it comes to political involvement, the power of women’s voices cannot be underestimated. We are not just participants; we are catalysts for change. We have influence and can champion progress through our votes. It’s just a matter of understanding our values, knowing the kind of change we want to be a part of, and identifying the candidates that align with that.
When we cast our ballots, we’re not just doing our civic duty; we’re asserting our rights, amplifying our voices and the voices of others, and advocating for the issues that matter most to us. Childcare, reproductive rights, voting rights – these are not abstract concepts, they’re tangible realities that affect our daily lives. And by exercising our right to vote, we have the power to ensure that these issues are not sidelined and ignored.
However, voting is not just about showing up at the polls on Election Day; it requires careful planning and informed decision-making. Take the time to research your ballot and familiarize yourself with the candidates and their platforms. You don’t need to be a political expert to make a difference; you just need to know what matters to you and your community.
As we get ready for the 2024 elections, let’s keep in mind that every vote counts and every voice matters. So make sure to let yours be heard, not just on Election Day but every day within your community. Together, we are a force to be reckoned with, and together, we can shape the future of our nation. So let’s make a plan, get out there, and vote for what we believe in.
Final Words
The journey and the legacy of women’s suffrage, from the passage of the 19th Amendment up until today, shows the incredible growth of political engagement and influence of women voters.
Historical trends used to shape women’s voting behavior and political affiliations, but nowadays, women are a lot more intentional. As the 2024 elections approach, it’s good to put the role of women voters into perspective.
It’s also important to remind ourselves how important it is to participate and drive real change!
Sources:
https://cawp.rutgers.edu/facts/voters/gender-differences-voter-turnout
https://pubs.aeaweb.org/doi/pdfplus/10.1257/jep.34.2.24
https://cawp.rutgers.edu/gender-gap-voting-choices-presidential-elections
https://www.theskimm.com/news/2024-election-poll-how-female-voters-feel-about-next-year
