Fact Sheet on Women Voters
How central are women voters in this year's presidential race? Read the following expert opinions to find out.
Women Make Up More Than Half the Electorate.The Chicago Tribune reported in June 2008, “Women… make up more than half the electorate nationally, and in some states as much as 55 percent.” According to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, women have made up more than half of the electorate during the past three election cycles. [Chicago Tribune, 6/6/08; U.S. Election Assistance Commission]
Director of Catt Center for Women and Politics: “Women Will Decide This Election.” Dianne Bystrom, director of the Catt Center for Women and Politics at Iowa State University said referring to the campaigns of Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain, “The women’s vote is important to both their campaigns. Women will decide this election.” [Arizona Republic, 6/5/08]
Pollster Mark Mellman: A Democrat Has to Win Among Women to Win a National Election Mark Mellman, a Democratic pollster said, “If you’re a Democrat, you have to win among women in order to be able to win a national election.” [Chicago Tribune, 6/6/08]
For Decades, Women Have Been More Likely to Identify Themselves as Democrats. The New York Times reported in June 2008, “For decades, women have been more likely to identify as Democrats than Republicans. This year, 44 percent of women have identified themselves in polls by the New York Times or CBS News as Democrats, 26 percent as Republicans and 24 percent independents.” [New York Times, 6/7/08]
A Republican Presidential Candidate Has Not Won the Women’s Vote Since George H.W. Bush Defeated Dukakis. The Arizona Republic reported in June 2008, “Women vote in larger numbers than men, and they often lean Democratic, making them a sought-after demographic. The last time a Republican won the women’s vote was 20 years ago, when George H.W. Bush defeated Michael Dukakis.” [Arizona Republic, 6/5/08]
