SINGLE WOMEN: THEY VOTE, VOLUNTEER, AND PROTEST
Single women are a force to be reckoned within the realm of politics, and the numbers don't lie. They vote, volunteer, and protest more than their male counterparts, and their ability to organize and galvanize people both within and outside their peer groups is nothing short of remarkable. In contemporary politics, single women emerge as a dynamic and rapidly expanding force, wielding substantial influence. According to recent statistics, single women constitute a significant and growing demographic, representing approximately 26% of the U.S. voting-age population. Their impact is underscored by the fact that in the last presidential election, single women comprised 23% of all voters, contributing decisively to shaping the political landscape. This trend signifies a noteworthy shift, highlighting single women as the fastest-growing and impactful political force in modern politics, capable of driving meaningful change and influencing electoral outcomes. In this group, there is huge Democratic Party representation: 68% of single women vote Democrat, compared to just 31% who vote Republican.
single women comprised 23% of all voters
According to numerous studies, single women turn out to vote in higher numbers than single men or married women. Single-women voters recognize the power of their voice and exercise their right to have a say in the direction of their country. Single women are not just casting ballots; they are also actively engaged in the political process. They attend rallies, they canvas their neighborhoods, and they work tirelessly to get out the vote as well as being vocal advocates for policy improvement.
It doesn't stop there, single women have a unique ability to organize and inspire people in and out of their peer groups. Building communities, both online and offline, that foster political engagement. Single women use social media to connect with like-minded individuals, sparking discussions and mobilizing their networks, understand the power of collective action and know how to harness it to effect change.
This level of engagement is not new. It harkens back to the suffragette movement of the 1850s and 1920s when women fought tirelessly for the right to vote. Single women played a pivotal role then, and they continue to do so today. The civil rights movement of the 1960s saw women on the front lines, fighting for racial and gender equality. Let's not forget the women's liberation movement of the 1970s, which paved the way for many of the freedoms and opportunities single women and all women enjoy today.
Across all age groups, educational levels, and other major demographic characteristics, women volunteer at a higher rate than men. Single women with no children were more likely to volunteer more than any other group.
When it comes to philanthropy, single women exhibit a particularly generous nature. Notably, the generosity of single women surpasses that of single men and couples across various age, demographic and education categories.
The Women’s March and subsequent activism is a contemporary example of single women’s role in active protest with an important connection between women and non-violence. When there are high numbers of women participating, the movement is more likely to maintain non-violent discipline, effective messaging and enact change.
So, why aren't political leaders leaning into this formidable demographic more? Why do we still see legislation that seeks to limit women's freedoms and autonomy? The answer is complex, but it comes down to resistance to change and deeply entrenched patriarchal structures. Why it matters: single women are not just advocating for themselves; they are fighting for political equality, freedom, liberty, and justice for all.
Single women’s engagement in politics isn't just about self-interest; it's about creating a fairer and more just society for everyone. When single women are politically active, single women push for policies that benefit the broader population, from healthcare access to workers' rights to environmental protection. As a growing demographic, these voices deserve to be heard and heeded, not silenced or marginalized.
In a time when democracy is under threat, single women stand as a beacon of hope and resilience. They are the key to unlocking political power and ensuring a brighter future for all. It's high time that political leaders recognize the strength and determination of single women and fully embrace their contributions to our society. Because when single women lead, we all stand to benefit.