The poll serves as an early snapshot heading into the 2024 elections. Black women are a powerful force in the American political system, and their political power continues to grow and garner recognition for the force it is.
The findings show that Black women have top concerns about a broad range of issues, but the top issues for Black women voters are inflation, the cost of living, and affordable housing.
Higher Heights released the poll findings in conjunction with HIT Strategies at a media briefing on Tuesday at the National Press Club, followed by a panel discussion with Glynda C. Carr, Co-Founder, President and CEO of Heights Leadership Fund, Terrance Woodbury, Chief Executive Officer & Founding Partner of HIT Strategies, Andrea L. Alford, Director of External Affairs at Media Matters for America, and Joi Olivia Chaney, President and Founder, J.O.I. Strategies.
The briefing was featured today in the Hill Newspaper. The online poll surveyed 852 Black women voters from February 14- 22.
Other key findings of the poll include:
Though Black women voters strongly believe in the power of their vote, there is a clear concern for the direction of the country and the upcoming elections. Over three-quarters of Black women voters describe their vote as powerful (76%), but 29% of Black women voters believe their voter power is decreasing as we get closer to the November 2024 election.
Heading into the 2024 elections, Black women voters are most worried about inflation, the cost of living, and affordable housing. Despite public safety and gun violence rising to the top as a general concern for the country, Black women voters are most personally worried about how economic issues are impacting their families and communities. That said, racial profiling by police is a top non-economic concern.
Abortion continues to be a galvanizing and mobilizing issue among Black women voters. Over 40% of Black women (say that they are more likely to vote for a candidate who is “pro-reproductive freedom” (more than 35% say it would not make a difference.) This finding holds true across age, education, and political party. More than 1 in 3 (35%) of self-identified Black Republican women voters state that a “pro-choice” label would make them more likely to vote for a candidate in the nearing elections.
Though Black women voters clearly feel the increase in Black elected representation, there is a persistent feeling of underrepresentation that can decrease morale. Although 58% of Black women voters believe they are underrepresented in political power, most are still hopefully optimistic about the representational power they do have. Nearly 81% of Black women voters believe that Black women elected officials have the power to effect change in their communities.
Generational divide among Black women could impact their political participation. Voters aged 18-49 are less trusting of institutions in general – they are less likely to feel they have political power, less likely to trust the Democratic Party will make a difference in their lives, and less likely to trust the media and news sources they see.
These critical issues impact Black women’s everyday lives. Black women want economically thriving, education-rich, healthy, and safe communities. These issues should be the focus of the administration, Congress, our other elected leaders, and candidates who are vying for our votes this November.