New Higher Heights Poll: Black Women Highly Motivated to Vote, But Desire More Representation & Change on Multiple Issues

BROOKLYN, NY (October 17, 2022) – With 22 days before the midterm elections, a new Higher Heights Leadership Fund #BlackWomenVote poll found that Black women are highly motivated to vote in the 2022 midterm elections, with nearly two-thirds (63%) saying they are more motivated now than ever. The poll, conducted by Change Research between September 29-October 4, 2022, found a belief in voting power and desire for more political representation as key motivators for Black women to vote, as well as concerns about issues such as rising costs, inflation, abortion access, and education. 

“Black women continue to be a critical voting bloc, and this year we’re more motivated to vote than ever – we know our votes can make a difference, and will show up to ensure that our voices are heard and that our political power grows,” said Glynda Carr, President & CEO of Higher Heights. “A multitude of issues are of deep concern to our community, from the rising cost of housing and other basic goods to restrictions on abortion access, to threats to honest education for our children. Black women are not single issue voters – we sit at the intersection of the most pressing issues facing our nation.”

The poll found that key drivers behind Black women’s motivation to vote are the belief that their votes have the power to make a difference, as well as a desire for more representation in government and leadership. This also comes as many Black women are concerned about not having their voices heard because of voter suppression and worries of election and voter fraud. According to the poll:

• Eighty percent of respondents said Black women have the power this November to make change on issues that matter most to their community
• 8 in 10 (82%) are worried about voter suppression that prevents their voices from being heard
• 64% are worried about election and voter fraud, but a majority (70%) of Black women are largely confident that the elections will be conducted fairly and accurately

Moreover, while a majority of Black women (59%) feel more represented in mainstream politics than they did in the past, they believe the current level of representation is not enough – eight in ten (82%) say it is important to them that Black women be elected and nominated to more positions of power in our government. Additionally, when asked to provide one word or phrase to describe Black female representation in politics, an overwhelming majority responded that Black women are “underrepresented,” or that there needs to be “more representation.”

Black women will go to the polls this year to make change on a wide range of issues. Top concerns include covering the costs of everyday essentials – including rent and housing, groceries and gas, and health care services – in the face of inflation and rising prices. One-third (33%) cite rising costs of rent and housing as their top concern, including 36% of those under 50. Black women also name abortion access as well as issues pertaining to public safety and education as top worries.

Survey methodology:

Change Research surveyed 715 adult Black women voters nationwide from September 29 – October 4, 2022. The national survey was conducted online, and respondents were recruited via web and text message. The modeled margin of error for this survey is 4.0%.

Read the full report of the poll results here.

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Higher Heights is the leading national organization exclusively dedicated to advancing Black women’s political power by ensuring they have the tools to engage, advocate and lead in their personal and professional communities. Higher Heights Leadership Fund, a 501(c)(3), is building political power and leadership of Black women all the way from the ballot box to elected office. Learn more: www.higherheightsleadershipfund.org