Things haven’t always been this way. Prior to 1980, men typically participated in presidential elections at a higher rate than women.

However, since then, women have become more dependable voters.

If this pattern persists—current indications suggest it might—Kamala Harris will gain from it in this election.

This is also due to a growing divide between how men and women perceive candidates and issues.

A national poll by YSL News/Suffolk University in mid-October indicated that women overwhelmingly supported Harris, 53% to 36%. Conversely, men backed Donald Trump, 53% to 37%. If these numbers remain steady until Election Day, it would represent the largest gender gap recorded since the phenomenon was first noted over forty years ago in 1980.

That election year, which brought Ronald Reagan to the presidency, saw women (59.4%) slightly outnumber men (59.1%) in voter turnout. This marked the first occasion in at least six decades that women voted at a higher rate in a presidential election year, as per Census Data from 1964.

Women have consistently shown higher voter turnout than men, and initial signs indicate that this year will follow suit.

As of November 1, women represented 53% of early voters across the nation, surpassing men at 44%, according to early voting statistics compiled by TargetSmart, a Democratic-leaning organization, reported by YSL News.

The Harris campaign is relying on securing a significant number of female voters, especially following the 2022 Supreme Court ruling that revoked the constitutional right to abortion.

Female voters drove a notable shift towards Harris in Iowa, as illustrated by a Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll that reported Harris leading Trump in that traditionally red state, creating a stir in the political arena.

To counteract Harris’ lead with women voters, Trump has focused on an often-neglected demographic: young men without college degrees.

Popular podcaster Joe Rogan endorsed Trump just ahead of the election, emphasizing Trump’s appeal to the “bro vote.”

However, for Trump to succeed, he must motivate this group to turn out in higher numbers than in previous elections.

Comparing presidential voter turnouts

In the most recent presidential election, around 10 million more women than men voted in 2020, according to the Center for American Women in Politics.

As of Monday afternoon, over 79 million Americans have voted early, per the University of Florida’s Election Project, which monitors early voting statistics. Over 100 million Americans voted early in 2020, reported YSL News.

Women’s voting turnout in 2022

Women “participated in significant numbers” during the 2022 non-presidential election, according to the League of Women Voters. This was the same year the Supreme Court decided to overturn Roe v. Wade, which had previously guaranteed federal rights to abortion services, as noted by the LWV.

More women than men are registering to vote

Polls indicate that Harris is performing notably better among female voters, while Trump holds more support from male voters. A YSL News/Suffolk University poll conducted from October 14 to 18 found Harris leading among women with 53% compared to Trump’s 36%, while Trump led among men with 53% against Harris’ 37%.