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-Editorial
AAPI, Black, and Latina/x women voters represent a powerful voting bloc, yet don’t feel that policymakers are prioritizing the issues that matter to them, according to the results of a new poll to be released May 9 by Intersections of Our Lives – a collective of three leading women of color-led reproductive justice organizations.
A panel of experts hosted by Ethnic Media Services discussed the poll’s findings, explored the front-burner issues for women of color voters, and discussed how candidates can effectively engage this critical voting bloc.
Sung Yeon Choimorrow, the Executive Director of the National Asian-Pacific American Women’s Forum, spoke about the significance of the newly released national polling data.
Choimorrow emphasized the collaborative effort between organizations, including In Our Voice and the Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, in addressing civil rights, justice, reproductive health, and equity issues. The alliance’s focus on intersectionality underscores the diverse perspectives and needs within communities of color.
The polling data, conducted in partnership with research firms Late Research Partners and Hit Strategies, provided valuable insights into the priorities of women of color voters. Choimorrow expressed gratitude to the research partners for their role in collecting and analyzing the data, ensuring that the voices and priorities of women of color are heard and shared nationwide.
The polling sample included 850 Latina and 850 Asian American Pacific Islander registered voters, with oversampling in key communities to capture diverse perspectives accurately. Choimorrow emphasized the importance of including a wide range of voices, highlighting the alliance’s commitment to representing the experiences of women of color.
The survey unearthed significant findings, revealing both shared priorities and unique concerns among women of color voters. Rising costs emerged as a top concern across communities, with a focus on affordable healthcare, fair housing, and closing the pay gap. Additionally, job creation and access to abortion care were identified as critical issues for AAPI, Black, and Latina women.
Choimorrow underscored the importance of addressing these priorities to mobilize women of color voters effectively. She noted the high potential for voter turnout among women of color if their values are represented and policies aligned with their needs.
Lupe Rodriguez, Executive Director of the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, underscored the significant influence of women of color voters in the upcoming elections. Rodriguez emphasized the importance of understanding the attitudes and motivations driving women of color to the polls.
Rodriguez commended previous speakers for addressing key points and shared her intention to highlight some of the top lines from the polling data. She reiterated the crucial role women of color voters play in shaping election outcomes, especially in tightly contested races.
Despite overall low voter motivation across the electorate, Rodriguez emphasized that women of color remain highly motivated to vote. Citing data from the survey, she noted that 53% of API women, 57% of Black women, and 60% of Latina and Latinx women are very motivated to participate in the November elections.
Furthermore, Rodriguez highlighted the perception among women of color voters that voting is crucial for effecting desired changes in the country. Despite challenges and feeling overlooked in political and policy discussions, women of color voters recognize the importance of civic engagement, including voting, in driving meaningful change.
The survey revealed that Latinas and Latinx women, in particular, perceive voting as a powerful tool for creating change. Rodriguez emphasized the need for political and policy dialogues to reflect the experiences and priorities of women of color voters.
One noteworthy finding from the survey is the strong support for abortion rights among women of color, including Latinas and Latinx women. Rodriguez dispelled misconceptions and misinformation surrounding Latinas’ views on this issue and highlighted their rejection of abortion bans and attacks on their freedom in recent elections.
She urged political leaders and policymakers to engage with and prioritize the needs of women of color voters to ensure a more inclusive and representative democracy.
