An Innovative Perspective: Are Women the New Emerging Voters?
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An Innovative Perspective: Are Women the New Emerging Voters?
Valerie Martinelli, MPA
I am convinced that the upcoming election is the most important one yet for women. Not only is this because we have an opportunity to elect the first female President in our nation’s history but because never before has there been more at stake for our nation, our workplaces, our families, our health, or ourselves.
Breaking down the Demographics
Women are drivers for social change and progress. We compose half of society, we are change makers, and we can make a difference. Women composed the majority of voters within the 2012 electorate. We changed the outcome of that election and we have the power to change the outcome of this one as well. According to exit polls in 2012, women were 53 percent of the voters. Women of color are also a growing force within the electorate.
In the 2012 election, black women voted at a higher rate than any other group- across gender, race, and ethnicity. In fact, women of color were key in the 2008, 2012, and 2013 races. They emerged as a voting bloc with the potential to significantly affect electoral outcomes. Within the last 2 years, over 2 million women of color have joined the eligible voting population. As more people of color participate in elections, demographic trends suggest that women of color will become increasingly prominent electoral players. Unmarried women also make up an increasing portion of the electorate. We have begun to marry later in life or not at all and are taking our own needs seriously.
The Issues that Matter to Us
Women typically vote on the issues that are the most important to them. We look for a strong economy and a candidate who will fight for us. Among the other top issues are a universal pre-K, pay equity, paid family leave, a higher minimum wage, more affordable healthcare, lower college costs, and largely accessible reproductive rights. We also have the power to control the politicians that want to roll back our abortion rights to the pre Roe v. Wade era.
This upcoming election is also at time when anti-abortion violence has risen to all-time high and Republican lawmakers have been trying to defund Planned Parenthood. Policies that would send us back to the days of back- alleys and coat-hanger abortions do not have a place in our civilized society because the results would be literally deadly for women. We, as women, have the power on November 8 to unite and elect a candidate that can improve our nation and society.
We can also determine the future of our healthcare. The Affordable Care Act gave 20 million Americans access to health care. It expanded our access to healthcare and forced insurance companies to end their discriminatory practice of charging women more than men. The law also requires insurance companies to cover access to contraception and mammograms. Republican lawmakers are still pushing to repeal the ACA. We also have the opportunity to take a stand against gun violence in America. Gun access is also a key driver to violence against women. Gun violence has been at an all-time high and we have the power to protect ourselves, our families, our communities, and ultimately society.
Our vote determines as many as four Supreme Court justices. Three of the eight sitting judges are over 75. Once appointed, they have the privilege of sitting on the Supreme Court for life. There is already one vacant seat. It is possible that these other three seats can also become vacant, which will ultimately determine the balance of power. The Supreme Court justices decide landmark rulings, such as our abortion rights, gay marriage, affirmative action, and more. What many may not realize is that even the appointment of one justice can tip the balance and affect the civil liberties and rights of every American. Our vote also determines federal judges. The extensive majority of cases never even make it to the Supreme Court. They are instead determined by the federal courts of appeals. This court also exercises massive privileges in cases that determine our civil rights, right to privacy, rights of women, and the rights of workers. The federal courts of appeals also are a training ground of sorts for future Supreme Court justices. Ladies, women who came before us fought and died for our right to vote, we cannot afford to give up our right because too much is at stake.
Women Empower Women
Our vote also can help put more women into office. Aside from Hillary’s historic nomination, there are women running for office across the country. We have the ability to put more women into office, which will ultimately change how our states and nation is run. Women are known to pass more progressive policies, be better negotiators, have better leadership skills, and empower each other. Women can change and formulate new laws and speak for our rights better than men. The tampon tax was only passed because men have held positions of political power longer than we have. Men who state that they value time with their family still oppose paid family leave. We also have a say if more women will be included in Cabinet positions. Female advisers will have a direct impact on policy decisions made at all levels.
We can ensure economic advancement for women. Women compose two-thirds of minimum wage employees and we earn a fraction of what men earn. We also have to provide for our families while not earning equal pay for equal work. Ladies, by voting we can fight back against the sexist conversation in politics.
We are Change Makers
The millennial generation also is going to have to deal with the consequences of decisions made by politicians currently. While this particular generation is politically engaged, they also do not show up to vote. However, they will face a series of unique challenges, including climate change, which is leading to extreme weather patterns and increasing infectious diseases. Millennials are also constrained by ever increasing loads in student loan debt, which is creating an economic burden and impacting life decisions such as getting married and having kids. Millennial women must vote in order to continue the change-making ways of the ones who came before them. Lastly, we have the power to unify our country. Millennials currently are a part of the most racially diverse generation America has ever had. More millennials are supportive of LGBT rights than any other generation as well. This election, we have the power to unite and unify our country. One thing is sure, wherever you find women in history; you will find social change and progress.
Valerie Martinelli, MPA
I am convinced that the upcoming election is the most important one yet for women. Not only is this because we have an opportunity to elect the first female President in our nation’s history but because never before has there been more at stake for our nation, our workplaces, our families, our health, or ourselves.
Breaking down the Demographics
Women are drivers for social change and progress. We compose half of society, we are change makers, and we can make a difference. Women composed the majority of voters within the 2012 electorate. We changed the outcome of that election and we have the power to change the outcome of this one as well. According to exit polls in 2012, women were 53 percent of the voters. Women of color are also a growing force within the electorate.
In the 2012 election, black women voted at a higher rate than any other group- across gender, race, and ethnicity. In fact, women of color were key in the 2008, 2012, and 2013 races. They emerged as a voting bloc with the potential to significantly affect electoral outcomes. Within the last 2 years, over 2 million women of color have joined the eligible voting population. As more people of color participate in elections, demographic trends suggest that women of color will become increasingly prominent electoral players. Unmarried women also make up an increasing portion of the electorate. We have begun to marry later in life or not at all and are taking our own needs seriously.
The Issues that Matter to Us
Women typically vote on the issues that are the most important to them. We look for a strong economy and a candidate who will fight for us. Among the other top issues are a universal pre-K, pay equity, paid family leave, a higher minimum wage, more affordable healthcare, lower college costs, and largely accessible reproductive rights. We also have the power to control the politicians that want to roll back our abortion rights to the pre Roe v. Wade era.
This upcoming election is also at time when anti-abortion violence has risen to all-time high and Republican lawmakers have been trying to defund Planned Parenthood. Policies that would send us back to the days of back- alleys and coat-hanger abortions do not have a place in our civilized society because the results would be literally deadly for women. We, as women, have the power on November 8 to unite and elect a candidate that can improve our nation and society.
We can also determine the future of our healthcare. The Affordable Care Act gave 20 million Americans access to health care. It expanded our access to healthcare and forced insurance companies to end their discriminatory practice of charging women more than men. The law also requires insurance companies to cover access to contraception and mammograms. Republican lawmakers are still pushing to repeal the ACA. We also have the opportunity to take a stand against gun violence in America. Gun access is also a key driver to violence against women. Gun violence has been at an all-time high and we have the power to protect ourselves, our families, our communities, and ultimately society.
Our vote determines as many as four Supreme Court justices. Three of the eight sitting judges are over 75. Once appointed, they have the privilege of sitting on the Supreme Court for life. There is already one vacant seat. It is possible that these other three seats can also become vacant, which will ultimately determine the balance of power. The Supreme Court justices decide landmark rulings, such as our abortion rights, gay marriage, affirmative action, and more. What many may not realize is that even the appointment of one justice can tip the balance and affect the civil liberties and rights of every American. Our vote also determines federal judges. The extensive majority of cases never even make it to the Supreme Court. They are instead determined by the federal courts of appeals. This court also exercises massive privileges in cases that determine our civil rights, right to privacy, rights of women, and the rights of workers. The federal courts of appeals also are a training ground of sorts for future Supreme Court justices. Ladies, women who came before us fought and died for our right to vote, we cannot afford to give up our right because too much is at stake.
Women Empower Women
Our vote also can help put more women into office. Aside from Hillary’s historic nomination, there are women running for office across the country. We have the ability to put more women into office, which will ultimately change how our states and nation is run. Women are known to pass more progressive policies, be better negotiators, have better leadership skills, and empower each other. Women can change and formulate new laws and speak for our rights better than men. The tampon tax was only passed because men have held positions of political power longer than we have. Men who state that they value time with their family still oppose paid family leave. We also have a say if more women will be included in Cabinet positions. Female advisers will have a direct impact on policy decisions made at all levels.
We can ensure economic advancement for women. Women compose two-thirds of minimum wage employees and we earn a fraction of what men earn. We also have to provide for our families while not earning equal pay for equal work. Ladies, by voting we can fight back against the sexist conversation in politics.
We are Change Makers
The millennial generation also is going to have to deal with the consequences of decisions made by politicians currently. While this particular generation is politically engaged, they also do not show up to vote. However, they will face a series of unique challenges, including climate change, which is leading to extreme weather patterns and increasing infectious diseases. Millennials are also constrained by ever increasing loads in student loan debt, which is creating an economic burden and impacting life decisions such as getting married and having kids. Millennial women must vote in order to continue the change-making ways of the ones who came before them. Lastly, we have the power to unify our country. Millennials currently are a part of the most racially diverse generation America has ever had. More millennials are supportive of LGBT rights than any other generation as well. This election, we have the power to unite and unify our country. One thing is sure, wherever you find women in history; you will find social change and progress.
