Women of color have a significant voting influence, but will politicians take their opinions and concerns into account?

Women of color have specific concerns they want politicians to focus on during this election.

May 13th 2024.

Women of color have a significant voting influence, but will politicians take their opinions and concerns into account?
The latest polling data released by Intersections of Our Lives sheds light on the immense voting power held by Asian American and Pacific Islander, Black, and Latina/x women. It also highlights the sentiment that policymakers and politicians are not giving enough attention to the issues that directly impact these women's daily lives.

A press release accompanying the poll results revealed that reproductive justice issues such as access to well-paying jobs, affordable healthcare, maternal health, the cost of living, and rising prices are at the top of the list for these influential voters. These issues have the potential to sway election outcomes, as nearly nine in 10 women of color consider voting to be extremely or very important. It was also found that half of these women view voting as an extremely effective tool for bringing about the desired change, further emphasizing the fact that their experiences and priorities are often overlooked in political and policy discussions.

When it comes to the upcoming 2024 elections for President, Senate, Congress, and other offices, women of color have made it clear that women's rights, abortion, and rising costs are the most important factors that will influence their votes. In fact, a significant majority of Black, AAPI, and Latina/x women believe that legalizing abortion alone is not enough, and access to abortion care must also be ensured. Additionally, the rising costs of healthcare, housing, and the gender pay gap are major concerns for a significant portion of these women.

The survey also uncovered a concerning trend among women of color, as many of them perceive a deterioration in the country over the past year. They believe that given the long history of racism, it is high time for a leader who will finally establish long-overdue systems of racial justice.

Intersections of Our Lives is a collaborative effort by three reproductive justice organizations, all led by women of color from the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum, and In Our Own Voice: National Black Women's Reproductive Justice Agenda. The Executive Director of NAPAWF, Sung Yeon Choimorrow, stated, "Women of color voters are too powerful a force to be ignored during this year's election season. If our communities do not see the change we expect and deserve, we are prepared to fight for that change at the ballot box."

Lupe M. Rodríguez, the Executive Director of the Latina Institute, added, "This poll makes it clear that women of color voters expect their elected officials to address reproductive justice issues that matter to them. By joining forces, we can harness the power of this influential voting bloc to bring about meaningful change."

For Black women, addressing high maternal death rates, discrimination, and reforming the criminal justice system were other top priorities that each community wants Congress to take action on. The President and CEO of In Our Own Voice, Regina Davis Moss, emphasized the importance of reproductive justice in this election, stating, "Make no mistake, reproductive justice is a key issue, and it will determine who we support this election season. Our vote is crucial in securing equity and justice for our families and future generations."

The survey was conducted among 850 AAPI, 850 Black, and 850 Latina/x women who are registered voters, with ethnic and regional oversamples. This nationwide mixed-mode survey is set to be the largest of its kind in the United States.

In related news, the American Cancer Society's new study, 'VOICES of Black Women,' is also expected to shed light on the experiences and priorities of Black women in the United States, highlighting the need for more attention and action to be taken towards their specific needs.

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