With 45 Days to Go, Women: Make Your Vote Count in the 2024 Election

There are just 45 days left until the 2024 election, and women's voices have never been more crucial. This year, 89 million women are registered to vote, making them the largest and most influential voting bloc in the country. But to ensure that this power is realized, women must make a plan to cast their ballots.

Why This Election Matters

The stakes in the 2024 election are incredibly high. Voters will be choosing our nation's congressional representatives, state legislators, and local elected officials (Fullerton University). The economy, healthcare, and inflation are top issues for many voters, and the outcome of this election will have a profound impact on the direction of the country for years to come. Perhaps most importantly, a vast majority of Americans are worried about the state of U.S. democracy, and this election is a chance to stand up for the values that our nation was founded on. Roughly 3 in 4 American adults believe the upcoming presidential election is vital to the future of US democracy.

The Power of Kamala

The nomination of Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential candidate has shaken up the race, and women voters are at the center of the action. Since Harris was tapped for president, motivation to vote among women in battleground states is up. A new poll shows Harris leading among women voters by 13 points, and 63 percent of Black women voters strongly approve of how she is handling the election. The kinetic energy powering Harris' campaign carries the hopeful aspirations of history for many female voters (AP News).

New Voting Restrictions

But exercising the right to vote won't be easy for everyone. Voters in almost half the country will face new voting restrictions in the 2024 general election. These laws, which have changed dramatically since 2020, could limit ballot access and offset the outcome of the election (US News). That's why it's essential for women to educate themselves on the new rules in their state and make a plan to overcome any obstacles that might stand in their way.

Making a Voting Plan

So how can women ensure that their voices are heard in this critical election? The first step is to check your voter registration status. Some states allow you to register in person on Election Day or during early voting, while others require registration well in advance (Vote411). Once you're registered, check this map to see if your state allows mail-in voting. If it does, sign up to vote by mail. Otherwise, find early voting or Election Day polling places (Make a Plan to Vote). Having a plan for how and when you'll vote can reduce anxiety and increase the chances that you'll be able to cast your ballot.

Call to Action

So what can you do with 45 days to go until the election? First, make sure you're registered to vote, and encourage the women in your life to do the same. Then, educate yourself on the issues that matter most to you, and research where the candidates stand. Finally, make a plan for how you'll vote, whether that's by mail, during early voting, or on Election Day itself. The nomination of Kamala Harris has electrified the race and brought new energy to the campaign. Now it's up to women to turn out to vote in historic numbers and make their voices heard. With persistence and determination, women can shape the future of our nation. The time to act is now.