The Unstoppable Rise of Black Women Voters

By Glynda C. Carr

As we approach this critical election season, a remarkable story unfolds across America. Young Black women are not just registering to vote at unprecedented rates – they’re poised to make their voices heard at the ballot box like never before. With a staggering 175% increase in voter registration according to recent data from TargetSmart, this surge is not just a statistic; it’s a powerful statement about the future of our democracy and a continuation of Black women’s longstanding commitment to civic engagement.

For nearly fifteen years, Higher Heights has been at the forefront of empowering Black women politically. We’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of Black women’s leadership and civic participation. Now, as we face one of the most consequential elections in recent history, the importance of our mission – and the critical need to Get Out The Vote (GOTV) – has never been clearer.

The road from Mayor to the White House is powered by Black women. With 16 million of us eligible to vote, and consistently higher turnout rates than most other groups, we have been the determining factor in many races. Our voices and our votes have shaped the political landscape, leading to historic firsts:

• The first Black woman Vice President
• The first Black woman on the Supreme Court
• 30 Black women in Congress

Yet, our work is far from done. We still have only one appointed Black woman in the U.S. Senate, zero Black women Governors, and we’ve yet to see a Black woman in the Oval Office. We are winning, but we have not yet won.

The surge in voter registration among young Black women is a testament to the power of our collective voice and the urgency of this moment. But registration is just the first step. Now, our focus must shift to ensuring every registered voter casts their ballot.

But why do Black women consistently show up at the polls in such high numbers? Recent polling with HIT Strategies provides insight:

1. We know our power. 80% of Black women surveyed believe we have the power to make change on issues that matter most to our communities.
2. We demand greater representation. 82% of Black women said it’s important to them that Black women be elected and nominated to more positions of power in our government.
3. We are motivated by pressing issues. From the rising cost of housing to restrictions on abortion access to threats on honest education for our children, Black women are far from single-issue voters.
4. We honor our history. We vote to honor the blood, sweat, and tears of those who fought for our right to vote.
5. We’re more motivated than ever. Nearly two-thirds of Black women said they are more motivated to vote now than ever before.

But perhaps most importantly, we understand the ripple effect of our engagement. As I often say, “When you fire up a Black woman, she does not go to the polls alone, she brings her house, her block, her church, her sorority, and union.” This multiplier effect is the secret weapon of Black women’s political power and the key to successful GOTV efforts.

At Higher Heights, we see this surge as both a challenge and an opportunity. It’s a challenge to ensure that every registered voter actually casts their ballot. It’s an opportunity to harness this energy and enthusiasm to drive meaningful change in our communities and our country.

As we look ahead to Election Day, we’re focused on key races that can protect, defend, and expand Black women’s representation. Our GOTV efforts are in full swing, including:

• Phone banking and text banking campaigns
• Ride-to-the-polls programs
• Community outreach events
• Social media campaigns to raise awareness about voting deadlines and locations
• Partnerships with local organizations to provide childcare and other support services on Election Day

But our work goes beyond election day. Through our Sunday Brunches, convenings, and debate watch efforts, we’re building a community of educated, engaged Black women who are ready to lead. We’re tapping into networks of historically Black sororities and professional organizations, creating a powerful coalition of change-makers.

The surge in voter registration we’re seeing today results from years of grassroots organizing, community building, and relentless advocacy. It’s a reminder that when Black women lead, democracy wins. Now, our task is to translate this registration surge into record-breaking turnout.

As we ramp up our GOTV efforts, let’s recognize this moment for what it is: a turning point. The rising tide of Black women voters is not just changing elections—it’s changing the face of American democracy. We at Higher Heights are proud to be at the forefront of this transformative movement.

To every Black woman who has registered to vote, who is planning to vote, who is encouraging others to vote, who is considering running for office, or who is simply engaging in political discourse: your voice matters. Your vote matters. You are the change we’ve been waiting for.

The path to a more representative, more equitable democracy runs through the ballot box. This election season, let’s commit to turning this surge into a tidal wave of civic engagement. We may be tired, but we continue to soldier on, often shouldering the responsibility of safeguarding our democracy and keeping our country on the right path.

Please visit BlackWomenVote.com.

About #BlackWomenVote:

#BlackWomenVote, a nonpartisan voter-activism campaign powered by Higher Heights Leadership Fund is the leading, independent and trusted voice for Black women leading up to 2020 and beyond.