“Black women continue to be a critical voting bloc, and this year we’re more motivated to vote than ever – we know our votes can make a difference, and will show up to ensure that our voices are heard and that our political power grows,” said Glynda Carr, President & CEO of Higher Heights. “A multitude of issues are of deep concern to our community, from the rising cost of housing and other basic goods to restrictions on abortion access, to threats to honest education for our children. Black women are not single issue voters – we sit at the intersection of the most pressing issues facing our nation.”
The poll found that key drivers behind Black women’s motivation to vote are the belief that their votes have the power to make a difference, as well as a desire for more representation in government and leadership. This also comes as many Black women are concerned about not having their voices heard because of voter suppression and worries of election and voter fraud. According to the poll:
- Eighty percent of respondents said Black women have the power this November to make change on issues that matter most to their community
- 8 in 10 (82%) are worried about voter suppression that prevents their voices from being heard
- 64% are worried about election and voter fraud, but a majority (70%) of Black women are largely confident that the elections will be conducted fairly and accurately
Moreover, while a majority of Black women (59%) feel more represented in mainstream politics than they did in the past, they believe the current level of representation is not enough – eight in ten (82%) say it is important to them that Black women be elected and nominated to more positions of power in our government. Additionally, when asked to provide one word or phrase to describe Black female representation in politics, an overwhelming majority responded that Black women are “underrepresented,” or that there needs to be “more representation.”
Black women will go to the polls this year to make change on a wide range of issues. Top concerns include covering the costs of everyday essentials – including rent and housing, groceries and gas, and health care services – in the face of inflation and rising prices. One-third (33%) cite rising costs of rent and housing as their top concern, including 36% of those under 50. Black women also name abortion access as well as issues pertaining to public safety and education as top worries.
Survey methodology:
Change Research surveyed 715 adult Black women voters nationwide from September 29 - October 4, 2022. The national survey was conducted online, and respondents were recruited via web and text message. The modeled margin of error for this survey is 4.0%.
Read the full report of the poll results here.
# # #
Higher Heights is the leading national organization exclusively dedicated to advancing Black women’s political power by ensuring they have the tools to engage, advocate and lead in their personal and professional communities. Higher Heights Leadership Fund, a 501(c)(3), is building political power and leadership of Black women all the way from the ballot box to elected office. Learn more: www.higherheightsleadershipfund.org
More News
-
Higher Heights Launches Revamped #BLACKWOMENVOTE Campaign Website
The nation's only organization dedicated to providing Black women with a political home is gearing up for midterms by re-launching their #BlackWomenVote campaign website to provide resources and mobilize voters across the country
-
Harris, Black women leaders urge young people, women to register and vote ahead of midterm elections
Vice President Kamala Harris and advocacy groups marked National Voter Registration Day by doing outreach to voters seen as crucial to November's midterm elections.
-
Why Democrats face big test with Black women in 2022
Advocates are calling on Democrats to step up their messaging on voting rights and abortion to Black women specifically, arguing it is critical that the party turn out the key constituency to hold on to majorities in the Senate and House.
-
The Power of Young Black Women’s Votes
On National Voter Registration Day, panelists discussed youth voter turnout and the importance of its impact on the fight for equal rights.
-
Ahead of the midterms, Black women voters most concerned about cost of living, poll shows
A new national poll of Black women voters reveals a demographic that is highly motivated to vote in the 2022 midterm elections, with an overwhelming majority citing “pocketbook” issues, like the cost of housing and groceries as core concerns.