Women's Voices. Women Vote. - News Articles

On This Day … A Right to Vote

2008-08-18T14:29:00Z

Eighty-eight years ago today, Congress ratified the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution giving women the right to vote.

The women’s suffrage movement did not arise as a major issue in the U.S. until the 1830s and 1840s. Women’s rights leaders, such as Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, first came together at the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848. The convention challenged the nation to a major social revolution in all aspects — socially, legally and culturally. With about 300 men and women attendees, the convention became the launching point for women’s suffrage.

By Caroline Kim

Read the original article at The Wall Street Journal's Front Lines.

Eighty-eight years ago today, Congress ratified the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution giving women the right to vote.

At the convention, Ms. Stanton read a list of grievances titled, “Declaration of Sentiments,” which stated, “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men and women are created equal.” Sixty-eight women and 32 men signed the document.

But it wasn’t until 1920 that the amendment was ratified.

Nonetheless, Nora Bredes, director of the Susan B. Anthony Center for Women’s Leadership, said long-existing customs and habit of ages still affect women and men.

In an interview with Journal Women, Ms. Bredes noted — as Susan B. Anthony once said — “The habit of the ages cannot at once be changed.”

Ms. Bredes said that even though women secured full legal rights in the 19th and 20th centuries, to own property and to vote, the 2008 presidential primaries showed that women haven’t risen above the “misogyny” that kept women oppressed in previous decades.

Nearly a century after women were given the right to vote, the number of women participating in elections has decreased at the national and local levels. Only 60.1% of women voted in the 2004 presidential election, a slight drop from the 67% of women voters in the 1964 presidential election, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. In the 2006 congressional elections, only 44.7% of women voted, compared with 53% in 1966.

But the number of men voting has decreased during the same period, too. Only 56.3% of men voted in 2004 compared with 71.9% in 1964. And in the 2006 congressional elections, only 42.5% of men voted, compared with 58.2% in 1966.

Some organizations are trying to encourage more women to vote. Women’s Voices. Women Vote, for example, started a voter registration drive this month. The organization is hoping to reach seven million unmarried women in 24 states and expects to register almost one million women by Election Day.

Sarah Johnson, communications director of Women’s Voices. Women Vote, said the organization primarily targets unmarried women because they tend to register and vote less than married women.

Other groups such as Mothers’ Centers, a non-profit organization providing mother-to-mother support are trying to influence women through education. Through its MOTHERS initiative, women are being taught that one of the biggest ways to have their voice heard in public policy is by voting and talking to candidates, said executive director, Linda Lisi Juergens.

Readers: After fighting to get the right to vote, why do you think some women don’t vote? What’s the best approach to enourage women — and men — of all ages to participate on Election Day?

Largest Target Group in Electorate Deserves Pay Equity

2008-08-08T18:15:00Z

Statement of Page Gardner, President, Women’s Voices. Women Vote

For the first time in history, a majority of adult women in this country are unmarried, and almost a fifth of these women are single moms, with children living at home. In many ways, they are 'women on their own,' supporting themselves and often their children on earnings that are only 56 percent of what married men make.

Statement of Page Gardner, President, Women’s Voices. Women Vote

The issue of pay equity is more than a fight for their rights – it is a fight to support themselves and their children. The Paycheck Fairness Act recently passed by the House of Representatives means these “women on their own" have an important first step towards being paid what they're truly worth - they are no less deserving of the American Dream than are their male counterparts. There are obstacles in its way – opponents in the U.S. Senate and a President who has already threatened a veto.

We are encouraged that the issue of pay equity is fast becoming a priority, as Senator Hillary Clinton rightly said today in Nevada. This issue deserves to be at the top of the heap of agendas for policymakers’, both future and current.

Nothing could be more defining of both their understanding of and connection to the economic survival of women on their own, than where a candidate stands on the issue of pay equity. We urge our lawmakers in Congress, and the candidates for President to demonstrate that hard work is respected and rewarded, whether the worker is a woman or a man, single or married.

Women's Voices, Women Vote is a national, nonpartisan organization that encourages single women to register, vote and fully participate in the democratic process.

Dear John and Barack: A word about the ladies

2008-08-07T18:06:00Z

The proverbial question for men has long been, "What do women want?" Well, I'm here to reveal the carefully guarded secret - at least to two men, Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain. The rest of you fellas will have to keep guessing. (OK, I'll throw a bone here: Recognize in women the things they value in themselves.) Back to more substantial matters for our presidential hopefuls: Women voters, especially the unmarried ones, are the demographic key to this year's election. If you want their votes, you will have to approach them with respect and insight. Drop the reductive labels that diminish women into voting blocs - recall "soccer moms"? Few women can be packaged so neatly.

By Mary Sanchez

Read the original article at The Modesto Bee.

So far, neither Obama nor McCain has garnered a strong majority of potential female voters. A recent poll of women found 49 percent were for Obama and 38 percent were for McCain. Presumably, at least some of those women's minds might be changed either way before November. Add the less adamantly loyal voters to the other 10 percent of women polled who labeled themselves as undecided. (The poll was part of the Every Woman Counts campaign done by Lifetime Networks.) The votes of these women, gentlemen, are enough to decide the election.

Obama and McCain also should forget about nominating a woman running mate if this is merely a means to court the female vote. We don't care.

A majority of the women polled by Lifetime said the VP's gender was of no consequence to them. They still believe they will soon see a female president, even if it's not this go-around.

The candidates should also beware of regarding their own lovely spouses as somehow representative of women generally. Most women are not securely married, nor blessed with the financial plenty Cindy and Michelle enjoy.

Consider that more than half of the nation's households are run by an unmarried woman. The candidate who speaks too heavily in the language of suburbia, with its two-car garages for a mom and a dad with kids, risks alienating a whopping 53 million women are unmarried and of voting age.

This is a massive demographic that oddly doesn't seem to merit much courting. In fact, these women are addressed so stereotypically that the effort is more likely to turn them away from, rather than toward, a politician.

Unmarried women can be many different types: 20-somethings with a child; middle-aged women who are divorced and caring for children, and perhaps aging parents as well; a woman living with a man in a committed relationship but without the legal benefits of marriage; or a widowed woman attempting to live on Social Security and whatever savings she and her deceased husband saved.

So spare us the banter that panders to the young, unmarried female clutching her meager savings as she awaits Prince Charming. Your voter-to-be might be looking for Mr. Right, but she's also likely got a job to attend to, or children, or parents, or a mortgage - maybe all of the above. Many married women voters likely have that same list of duties.

Which is why jobs and the economy are the top concern of women in the Every Woman Counts poll, followed by the Iraq war, health care, prescription drugs and education. Talk of our future, but specifically about how you will reshape society to fit the reality for women today. And yes, that speaks to this election's favored buzzword, "change." That said, there is no doubt that with women voters, substance - not just the delivery - will be increasingly important as November nears.

Women are adept at spotting fakers. We know when a man is lying about his bank account, prestigious job, love of his mother, the role he played in a divorce and whether he really scored the winning goal. Don't try to con us.

Your bid for the White House depends on it.

Women's group seeks to register unmarried women voters

2008-08-06T16:45:00Z

"Women's Voices. Women Vote." hopes to register close to 1 million unmarried women nationwide and at least 23,788 in Florida prior to the November general election, according to a press release.

Read the original article at The Daytona News-Journal.

New York Sen. Hillary Clinton fell just short of being first woman to get a major party presidential nomination this year.

But a national women's organization announced Wednesday it would mount a major voter registration drive in an effort to make sure women aren't underrepresented in the voting booth.

"Women's Voices. Women Vote." hopes to register close to 1 million unmarried women nationwide and at least 23,788 in Florida prior to the November general election, according to a press release.

The group says its notified Floria election officials about the "You Count. Be Counted!" drive.

The group "will continue to work with election officials and do everything it can to ensure unmarried women are able to exercise their right to vote in this historic election," according to the release.

"In the past, unmarried women in Florida and nationally have been underrepresented both in terms of registration and in actually showing up to vote," the release said. "In 2006, 1,190,605 unmarried women in Florida were eligible to register but did not; a further 774,451 were registered to vote but did not cast a ballot."

A busy week on the campaign trail in Pierce County

2008-08-04T18:12:00Z

If you are an unmarried women in Washington state and you're not registered to vote, there's a campaign to find you and fix that (the unregistered part).

By Hunter George

Read the original article at The News Tribune.

If you are an unmarried women in Washington state and you're not registered to vote, there's a campaign to find you and fix that (the unregistered part). Some D.C. folks sent a news release last week saying they expect to register 1 million unmarried women in 24 states to vote by election day. The target figure in Washington state is 195,059 women. The campaign is run by the national organization Women's Voices Women Vote, which says unmarried women run an increasing number of households but are statistically less likely to vote.

Women-targeted voter registration drive begins Thursday

2008-08-01T20:28:00Z

The nationwide "You Count. Be Counted!" drive is being run by a national organization called Women expect to register close to 1 million women nationwide between now and election day. They say they think they can get at least 4,000 in Nevada.

Read the original article from the Asssociated Press.

RENO, Nev. (AP) -- A voter registration drive begins Thursday, targeting about 138,000 unmarried women in Nevada.

Voting group targets single Virginia women

2008-08-01T16:55:00Z

At the time, the group was targeting 228,000 unmarried women in Virginia. According to a news release issued by Women’s Voices, Women Vote, the organization has generated more than 20,000 registration applications.

By Tyler Whitley

Read the original article at The Richmond Times-Dispatch.

After being warned by the State Board of Elections to follow the law, a women’s group has launched a drive in Virginia to register unmarried women to vote.

Nancy Rodrigues, secretary of the State Board of Elections, said yesterday that Women’s Voices, Women Vote has assured the elections board that it would properly identify itself when it sends out voter registration forms.

In early February, the State Board asked the Virginia State Police to investigate complaints from registrars in 13 localities that an organization was leaving automated calls at households without identifying itself.

“We were worried about identify theft,” Rodrigues said.

The state police quickly determined that the phone calls and registration packets mailed to homes originated from the nonpartisan Washington-based advocacy group.

The state police also determined that the registration packets and return prepaid envelopes addressed to the State Board of Elections complied with the law and no identity theft had occurred, Rodrigues said.

The current drive is soliciting 374,806 unmarried women in Virginia. Of those, the group expects to register more than 7,300.

The group said it has notified the State Board of Elections that it is conducting the drive and to expect an increased number of registration forms.

“WVWV will continue to work with election officials . . . ,” the news release stated.

About 1.2 million women in Virginia are single, separated, divorced or widowed, the group said. In 2006, about 522,000 unmarried women in Virginia had not registered. About 286,000 were registered but did not vote.

Rodrigues said a number of voter registration drives are being conducted across the state.

Statement by Page S. Gardner

2008-08-01T00:11:00Z

On the vote by the U.S. House of Representatives in favor of the Paycheck Fairness Act

“This vote is a victory for the nation’s women, especially those who are single, separated, widowed or divorced. For the first time in history, a majority of adult women in this country are unmarried, and almost a fifth of these women are single moms, with children living at home. In many ways, they are ‘women on their own,’ supporting themselves and often their children on earnings that are only 56 percent of what married men make.

Statement by Page S. Gardner, president, Women’s Voices, Women Vote, on the vote by the U.S. House of Representatives in favor of the Paycheck Fairness Act

“With the Paycheck Fairness Act, these ‘women on their own” will finally have a fair chance to be paid what they’re worth and earn their fair share of the American Dream. Now, it’s up to the U.S. Senate to cast a vote that says in no uncertain terms that, here in America, hard work is respected and rewarded, whether the worker is a woman or a man, single or married.”

Women’s Voices, Women Vote is a national, nonpartisan organization that encourages single women to register, vote and fully participate in the democratic process.

Voter drive targets unmarried women

2008-07-31T16:52:00Z

A national group called Women's Voices Women Vote is targeting 9,324 unmarried women in Maine as part of a nationwide voter registration drive.

Read the original article at The Kennebec Journal.

A national group called Women's Voices Women Vote is targeting 9,324 unmarried women in Maine as part of a nationwide voter registration drive.

The group says it has contacted Maine election officials to prepare them that they will be receiving more voter registrations as a result of the drive.

According to stats from the group, 67,994 unmarried women in Maine were eligible to vote in 2006, but failed to do so.

Single women’s advocacy group eyes Iowa turnout

2008-07-31T16:47:00Z

You Count. Be Counted! a nationwide voter registration drive will begin today, targeting 65,483 unmarried women in Iowa. The drive is being run by the national organization Women’s Voices Women Vote, which expects to register close to 1 million women nationwide between now and election day.

By Douglas Burns

Read the original article at The Iowa Independent.

According to the most recent census data, unmarried women – women who are single, separated, divorced, or widowed – make up a growing percent of the population. More than half of households nationwide are run by an unmarried woman. There are more than 230,000 unmarried women in Iowa.

In the past, unmarried women in Iowa and nationally have been underrepresented both in terms of registration and in actually showing up to vote. In 2006, 135,084 unmarried women in Iowa were eligible to register but did not; a further 111,288 were registered to vote but did not cast a ballot.

WVWV says it has registered more than 12,000 unmarried Iowa women to vote.

Voter Registration Campaign to Target Unmarried Women in 24 States

2008-07-30T20:15:00Z

The voter registration drive, “You Count. Be Counted!,” will begin next week, targeting over approximately 7 million unmarried women in 24 states. The drive is being run by the national organization Women’s Voices Women Vote, which expects to register close to 1 million women nationwide between now and Election Day.

“You Count. Be Counted!” Campaign Will Be Biggest Ever Mail-In Registration Drive,
Focusing on Group Long Underrepresented in Voting Booth

According to the most recent census data, unmarried women – women who are single, separated, divorced, or widowed – make up a growing percent of the population. Approximately 26 percent of eligible voters are unmarred women, or 53 million people.

“For the first time in history, unmarried women are equal in number to married women, yet they register and vote less,” said Page Gardner, President of Women’s Voices. Women Vote. “Although single women are the fastest growing large group in our country they remain underrepresented in our democracy,” Gardner said.

Unmarried women are 9 percentage points less likely to be registered than married women, and those who are registered are 13 percentage points less likely to actually vote.

Nonetheless, so far in this election season, unmarried women have been increasingly engaged in the process and have been a decisive force in several primaries. Similarly, so far this year, WVWV has gotten record high response rates on its voter registration mailings, successfully generating more than 550,000 registration applications nationally.

“In 2004, there were 20 million unmarried women who did not vote in the national election who could have; 15 million were unregistered. That is why we are committed to conducting a robust voter registration effort to make sure their voices are heard,” said Gardner.

Registration forms for the “You Count. Be Counted!” campaign will be arriving in waves. Between August 8th and 15th, forms should arrive at the homes of women in Arkansas, Illinois Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Between August 26th and September 2nd, the mailing will arrive in Colorado, Nevada, and Washington.

Between September 12th and September 19th, the mailing will arrive in Arizona, Florida, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Women’s Voices Women Vote has contacted election officials in each state where the campaign will be active to notify them of the mailing, let them know to expect an increased number of registration forms that will need to be processed, and ensure the registration materials meet state standards. WVWV will continue to work with election officials and do everything it can to ensure unmarried women are able to exercise their right to vote in this historic election.

For an interactive map containing state-specific information, please visit www.wvwv.org.

Voter Signups Under Way In Maine

2008-07-30T16:49:00Z

Meanwhile, the nonpartisan group Women's Voices is targeting 9,324 unmarried women in Maine in its voter registration push. The group says more than 370,000 single Maine women are unregistered.

Read the original article at ABC's WMTW.

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Sen. Barack Obama's campaign in Maine will be heading to gas stations in several towns in the state Thursday to register voters.

The Democratic presidential candidate's campaign will hold registration drives Thursday in Brewer, Portland, Lewiston and Whiting.

Volunteers will talk with motorists at the pumps.

Gas stations have become something to a focal point for political activity in Maine. Before the June primary, then-Republican congressional candidate Dean Scontras handed motorists cash rebates for federal and state gas taxes to underscore his support for a gas tax holiday.

Meanwhile, the nonpartisan group Women's Voices is targeting 9,324 unmarried women in Maine in its voter registration push. The group says more than 370,000 single Maine women are unregistered.

Voter Registration Drive Targets Unmarried Women

2008-07-30T14:49:00Z

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A national group is targeting single women in Missouri as part of a voter registration drive.

Women’s Voices Women Vote hopes to register close to one million women voters before Election Day.

Read the original article at NBC Kansas City.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A national group is targeting single women in Missouri as part of a voter registration drive.

Women’s Voices Women Vote hopes to register close to one million women voters before Election Day.

That number includes 4,949 in Missouri. The group said census shows that there are a growing number of households run by unmarried women.

The group said these women have low voter registration numbers and do not show up to the polls to vote.

Voter Registration Drive Begins in Arkansas, 23 Other States

2008-07-30T14:46:00Z

"You Count. Be Counted!" a nationwide voter registration drive will begin today, targeting 108,946 unmarried women in Arkansas.

The drive is being run by the national organization Women’s Voices Women Vote , which expects to register close to 1 million women nationwide between now and election day, including 3,268 in Arkansas.

Read the original article at Arkansas Matters.

"You Count. Be Counted!" a nationwide voter registration drive will begin today, targeting 108,946 unmarried women in Arkansas.

The drive is being run by the national organization Women’s Voices Women Vote, which expects to register close to 1 million women nationwide between now and election day, including 3,268 in Arkansas.

According to the most recent census data, unmarried women – women who are single, separated, divorced, or widowed – make up a growing percent of the population.

More than half of households nationwide are run by an unmarried woman, and unmarried are more than 445,800 of the total population in Arkansas.

Women’s Voices Women Vote has contacted the Arkansas election officials about the mailing to notify them to expect an increased number of registration forms that will need to be processed and to ensure the registration materials meet state standards.

WVWV will continue to work with election officials and do everything it can to ensure unmarried women are able to exercise their right to vote in this historic election. In the past, unmarried women in Arkansas and nationally have been underrepresented both in terms of registration and in actually showing up to vote.

In 2006, 180,215 unmarried women in Arkansas were eligible to register but did not; a further 102,055 were registered to vote but did not cast a ballot.

Nationally, unmarried women are 9 percentage points less likely to be registered than married women, and those who are registered are 13 percentage points less likely to actually vote. Nonetheless, so far in this election season, unmarried women have been increasingly engaged in the process and have been a decisive force in several primaries. Similarly, so far this year, WVWV has gotten record high response rates on its voter registration mailings, successfully generating more than 550,000 registration applications nationally this cycle.

In Arkansas alone, WVWV and its project, the Voter Participation Center, have generated more than 14,600 registration applications. For more state-specific numbers and to view statistics for other states visit the Women’s Voices Women Vote website.

Group tries to register more single women to vote

2008-07-30T14:43:00Z

The national group Women's Voices Women Vote is launching a national voter registration drive to convince up 1 million single women to vote come November.

Read the original article at The Orlando Sentinel.

The national group Women's Voices Women Vote is launching a national voter registration drive to convince up 1 million single women to vote come November.

The group says it plans to target more than 1.2 million single women in Florida with the hope of registering 23,788 of them. The campaign is called "You Count. Be Counted!" From its press release: "Unmarried women – women who are single, separated, divorced, or widowed – make up a growing percent of the population. More than half of households nationwide are run by an unmarried woman, and unmarried are more than 3,082,550 of the total population in Florida."