10 Compelling Facts About Voting You Should Know

Our nation is facing a turning point where your voice can be the deciding factor. Participation in the voting process is critical to our mission of eliminating racism and empowering women, not just in South Florida but our nation at large. It’s your voice. It’s your vote. It’s your future. Whether by mail or in person, participating in your local and state elections provides you with the power to shape the country as you see fit by electing leaders who share a vision of America that is safe, healthy and filled with opportunities for women, girls and all people.YWCA USA recently partnered with Finn Partners to conduct a nationwide, multi-racial, women-focused survey to understand the demographics, concerns and priorities heading into Congress’ 2022 legislative session. Among the data collected, this survey found that:

1. 1. 1. This election is viewed as highly impactful for women.
      • Data from this survey showed that more than two-thirds (69%) of women saw this election as having at least some impact on their lives and their families, with 30% overall believing the impact to be major. Voter enthusiasm among women is relatively high, with 51% of female voters ranking it at an 8, 9 or 10 on a 0-10 scale.

1. 1. 2. Top concerns for voters are primarily aligned across all demographics.
      • When asking survey participants to rate their degree of worry regarding 15 different topics, data showed that the top concerns were of general consensus. The top three concerns included:
      • Your total family income will not be enough to meet your family's expenses and pay your bills. (54% overall)
      • Stress, anxiety or trauma from COVID-19. (49% overall)
      • Being able to afford your rent or mortgage. (48% overall)
        • These concerns were most prevalent among women of color, Gen Z and millennial voters.

1. 1. 3. Most policies strongly supported by women have broad, bipartisan appeal.
      • Surveyed voters showed intense support for policy solutions that increase women’s economic advancement, protect voting rights and/or protect against the outcomes of rising white nationalism. Of the 11 policies presented in YWCA’s survey, an impressive 18 have bipartisan support as relatively important or even the most important thing congress can do.

1. 1. 4. Women’s Economic Advancement policies resonated as most important.
      • Of the five broader policy categories, those relating to Women’s Economic Advancement resonated most strongly in the group, with the top four overall policies falling under this category. These policies include:
        • Paycheck Fairness Act (73% Most Important/Very Important)
        • Family & Medical Leave, Paid Sick leave and Paid Sage Leave (72% Most Important/Very Important)
        • End Discrimination Against Women (72% Most Important/Very Important)
        • End Workplace Harassment and Sexual Violence (71% Most Important/Very Important)

1. 1. 5. Black women remain the largest and most influential U.S. voter group.
      • Despite voter suppression tactics, the YWCA’s survey found that Black women are the largest voting constituency in the U.S. electorate and the most determined and influential. Among this group, an estimated 67% believe the upcoming 2022 midterms will impact their lives, but only 40% expressed an intent to vote.

1. 1. 6. Women led the charge for Latinx voters in the 2020 election.
      • When it came to Latinx participants, the findings revealed that Latinx voters made up a quarter of newly eligible voters in 2020, with voter turnout in this demographic increasing by 31% compared to the previous primary year and a majority of women leading the vote.

1. 1. 7. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are the fastest-growing voter demographic.
      • Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) voters are considered to be the fastest growing constituency in the nation, increasing from 56% in 2016 to an impressive 64% in 2020. As with Latinx voters, women lead the majority of AAPI voters.

1. 1. 8. American Indian and Alaskan Native influence is a growing factor in elections.
      • Despite only gaining voting rights in the 1970s and a gap in data, the American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) voters were reported as highly influential to 2020 election results in critical voting states. This is greatly due to the AI/AN community’s work to educate, register and organize voters in this demographic. 

1. 1. 9. Young voters are the most dynamic in the landscape.
      • Millennial and Gen Z voters (those under 40) currently comprise one-third of U.S. voters. This group is also the most racially diverse voting group in the nation, with an active voter base making up 31% of the nation’s voters and one that is expected only to increase.

1.        10. Millennial and Gen Z voters are poised to make up the majority by 2030.
   • • Young voter turnout increased 36% in the most recent primary election, and this rise is expected to continue. As this trend continues, it is anticipated that Millenials and Gen Z voters will make up more than half of all U.S. voters by 2030.

Your vote holds power. How you choose to use it can help shape the world, and our YWCA South Florida team is standing by with the tools you need to get the job done. Visit our website today to learn about our Get Out The Vote initiative, and contact us to learn more about our programs and how you can help eliminate racism and empower women in our community.Click the following link to read YWCA USA’s full Women’s Legislative Priorities Study 2022 survey: https://ywomenvote.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/YWomenVote2022-JAN-Survey-Findings.pdf