Power in the Numbers: Why More Women Voting in November Matters

As of July 2019, there were 166.6 million females in the United States compared to 161.7 million males. This demographic shift is not limited to the national level; women outnumber men in the largest urban counties east of the Mississippi River, along the Eastern Seaboard, and in the Deep South. While Alaska has the highest male to female ratio in the U.S. with 110 men for every 100 women, only ten states had a population that was over 50% male as of 2018.

Women's Growing Representation and Influence

The increasing number of women in the U.S. population is mirrored in their growing representation in education and politics. Women first surpassed men in the college-educated labor force in the fourth quarter of 2019. As of 2024, women hold 28.2% of the 535 seats in the U.S. Congress and 25% of the 100 seats in the U.S. Senate.

The Importance of Voting in November

With November being the eleventh month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars, it marks a critical time for women to exercise their right to vote in the midterm elections. Registering to vote, checking your registration status, and getting your absentee ballot can be done quickly, easily, and securely through nonpartisan websites. These resources can also provide voter registration deadlines, laws, and requirements by state.

Our Rights Are in Danger

A majority (55%) of Americans are very concerned that their fundamental rights and freedoms are under threat. Human rights remain under attack globally, whether by populist movements desperate to gain power or authoritarian governments eager to maintain control. Civil liberties are once again under attack in America, with bills in primarily Republican states targeting LGBTQ+ rights, trans rights, and abortion rights. The overturning of Roe v. Wade has put other fundamental rights at risk, including the right to contraception and the right to procreate.

Conclusion

The growing number of women in the U.S. population, their increasing representation in education and politics, and the importance of voting in November are all crucial for protecting our rights. However, with rights under threat from various attacks, it is more important than ever for women to exercise their power in numbers by registering to vote, educating themselves on the issues, and casting their ballots in November.