The tumultuous 2012 election was historic for women in more ways than one. Women voters made up 54 percent of the electorate and favored the president by an 11 percent gap, ushering him to reelection. America elected a record number of women to the Senate, with Tammy Baldwin becoming the first out lesbian senator and […]
2012 Election
A Post-Election Celebration of Our 40th
Ms. alums who attended the magazine’s 40th anniversary party in New York on November 7, one of several held this year, were already giddy over the victories for women the previous day: reelection of President Obama, the first openly gay woman senator in Wisconsin, a record number of women in the Senate, an all-women congressional […]
U.S. Now Ranks 79th in the World for Women’s Political Representation
This is The Year of the Woman. Again. As it was in 2011. 2010. 2008. 2003. (Pew officially announced that 2004 just wasn’t one, 2005 got lost in the shuffle, and everyone seemed to tacitly agree that 2009 didn’t qualify.) But, as a result of Tuesday’s elections, 2012 does, even exceeding the Mother of All […]
“By the Way, We Have to Fix That”
In his acceptance speech last Tuesday evening, President Barack Obama began by thanking every American who participated in his reelection, “whether you voted for the very first time, or waited in line for a very long time.” Then, after a brief pause, he thoughtfully noted, “By the way, we have to fix that.” Yes indeed. […]
Thank You, Women Voters, for Marriage Equality!
According to state exit polls, the women’s vote determined the positive outcome of the marriage-equality ballot measures in Maine, Maryland, and Washington state. In addition, women in Minnesota drove the vote that struck down a proposed state constitutional amendment that would have banned same-sex marriages. If only men had voted, marriage equality would have been […]
Ballot Measures: Big Wins for Same-Sex Marriage and Reproductive Rights
Last night was a celebration for feminists on so many levels, nationally and locally. Women’s voices were heard!! Among the most ballot measure victories were the passage of marriage equality-related measures in every state that they were up for a vote, and a solid rejection of anti-abortion Amendment 6 in Florida. Here is a rundown […]
Women’s Vote Crucial in Election
UPDATE: HOW THE GENDER GAP PLAYED OUT IN THE SENATE CONTESTS Let’s face it: Women voters swung the election for Barack Obama yesterday. CNN exit polls show that 55 percent of women voted for Obama, 44 percent for Romney. Meanwhile, men voted 52 to 45 for Romney. On top of those figures, it was estimated […]
Displaced But Not Silent: How Hurricane Sandy Victims Can Cast Their Vote
In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, voting has become an afterthought to those affected by the storm. Sandy ravaged much of the Northeast last week, leaving millions in the tri-state area without power and displacing hundreds of thousands more from their homes. In New Jersey alone, more than 2 million homes lost power last Monday; […]
Don’t Be Suppressed!
This election has been rife with tales of voter suppression strategies, from unnecessary voter ID laws to shortened early voting to disenfranchisement of felons. The latest news out of Florida has Gov. Rick Scott refusing to extend early voting hours even as voters faced ridiculously long waits at polling places. Reported Firedoglake, “A brief effort […]