As Election Day arrives this Tuesday, predictions are everywhere, but the truth is no one really knows how this race will end. With polling showing Donald Trump and Kamala Harris nearly tied, especially in crucial swing states, the nation is watching a deeply divided contest. At the center of this election is a growing gender gap, with women rallying around issues that could tip the scales.
In particular, female voters supporting Harris are driving a movement that’s reshaping traditional election strategies. Despite facing challenges from spouses and communities, many women are quietly mobilizing for change, showing just how much is at stake.
The Grassroots Push for Kamala Harris
In Michigan, Democratic Senate candidate Elissa Slotkin recently highlighted a unique phenomenon observed by her campaign’s canvassers. They encountered women in homes with Trump signs who, when asked whom they support, would discreetly gesture to Harris’s photo on campaign literature. Slotkin also mentioned hearing about a small but symbolic campaign where women leave notes in restroom stalls, encouraging each other to remember their right to vote in private.
This movement, featuring stickers and notes reading “Vote like your daughter’s future depends on it,” has gained coverage from outlets like Ms. Magazine and NBC News. Even former First Lady Michelle Obama has echoed these sentiments, urging women to remember that “your vote is private.” While these “hidden votes” may not sway entire states, they reveal a powerful desire among women to influence this election. If Harris secures victory, it may be in part due to this hidden network of support.
Trump’s “Boys vs. Girls” Election Strategy
The 2024 election marks one of the widest gender divides in recent U.S. politics, with Trump drawing significant male support, while women have shown strong backing for Harris. This division reflects deeply rooted concerns about issues such as reproductive rights and gender equality. However, Trump’s campaign has not attempted to bridge this gap. Instead, it has embraced a “boys vs. girls” approach, a strategy that aligns with his positioning on traditionally “macho” appeals and pushes back against “all-gender inclusivity.”
Months before Harris became the Democratic nominee, Trump’s advisors were reportedly aiming to draw support from Black and Hispanic men, traditionally Democratic groups, in hopes of offsetting potential losses among women. The thinking was that men would respond to Trump’s campaign image, with one insider noting, “For every Karen we lose, we’ll win a Jamal and an Enrique.”
In the final stretch, Trump’s appearances with figures like conservative pundit Tucker Carlson, who suggested the nation needs Trump’s firm leadership, have reflected this image. Conversely, Trump has limited appearances with influential female conservatives like former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, who could help attract independent female voters. Polls suggest Harris is facing challenges among Black and Hispanic men compared to previous Democratic candidates, partly due to Trump’s targeted messaging.
Trump’s Record on Reproductive Rights and Gender Issues
Beyond campaign strategy, the Trump administration’s track record on issues like reproductive rights has made a significant impact. The Supreme Court’s 2022 reversal of Roe v. Wade, made possible by justices Trump appointed, fueled the conservative stance on abortion. However, Trump’s stance has cost him some support among women who view reproductive rights as essential.
In recent months, Trump has occasionally suggested that some abortion restrictions might go too far, indicating awareness of this issue. However, his campaign’s selection of Ohio Senator J.D. Vance as running mate has raised further concerns about gender-related policies. Vance, known for controversial statements on women’s roles and family dynamics, once referred to single, childless women as “cat ladies.” Vance and Trump have not distanced themselves from these remarks, leaving many female voters wary.
The Backlash: Women’s Rising Turnout and Organizing Efforts
Recent voting data from battleground states shows women are turning out in large numbers. According to Politico, women comprise 55% of early voters in these regions. Pennsylvania, a crucial state, has seen significant early voting activity from Democratic women who did not vote in 2020, indicating heightened engagement.
Brookings senior fellow Elaine Kamarck’s analysis of potential turnout scenarios suggests that if women vote in numbers comparable to 2020, Harris could secure key states like Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Although polling data can’t guarantee exact outcomes, these insights highlight the potential impact of female voter enthusiasm.
This enthusiasm is also evident in grassroots efforts. Nikki Sapiro Vinckier, an OB-GYN physician’s assistant and Democratic activist in Michigan, has been creating and distributing pro-Harris stickers encouraging women to vote. The sticker’s message—“Ladies, no one will know who you vote for. Vote for your daughters, your sisters, yourself. Vote Kamala”—reflects the deeply personal motivations driving women to the polls. Sapiro Vinckier says she’s distributed tens of thousands of these stickers, underscoring the commitment of women determined to shape the future.
The Final Stretch: Gender, Values, and a Close Race
As this highly charged election nears its conclusion, both Trump and Harris have much at stake. The outcome may hinge not only on policy but also on deeper issues of gender equality and individual rights. If Harris prevails, it could mark a historic shift, driven largely by women mobilizing to challenge Trump’s traditional stance on gender and social issues.
This election may be remembered for redefining the role of gender in American politics, signaling a future where more diverse voices shape national policy. As the final votes are counted, this momentous contest will reveal whether Trump’s “boys vs. girls” approach ultimately resonated—or if it inspired a powerful response from voters advocating for progress and inclusivity.
