Hi Professor MacManus,
My question is about woman voters. Specifically, is it true that more men vote than women? If so, why is that? I was also wondering why you think in general that more men seem interested in politics than women?
Thanks,
Jillian

Jill:

Women actually register and vote at higher rates than men, especially here in Florida. In both the 2000 and 2004 presidential elections, women made up 54% of all Florida voters.

U.S. Census figures show that in every election cycle since 1980, a higher percentage of women than men has registered to vote. It is only among the oldest cohort, 65 and older, that women’s registration rates consistently lag behind men’s. Younger women (under age 44) have out-registered younger men since the 1970s. 

Women may appear to be less interested in politics than men because they are the “late deciders” when it comes to voting.  They admit they do not have the time to study up on the various candidates and amendments until right before an election due to family and work situations.

The “late decider” woman voter is the target of last minute television and radio ads, telephone calls, and direct mail, making them a key component of the critical swing vote.  One national poll has found that women make up nearly two-thirds of all swing voters.

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