Although Black women voters transformed the political landscape of Georgia in 2020, many feel that their core issues of concern – reproductive freedom and economic security – are shortchanged by their elected officials.
The findings of an online poll of Georgia voters that was released today by 9to5 Georgia and the National Women’s Law Center highlight the gaps between Georgia’s Black women voters and elected officials, while also demonstrating the popular support for Black women’s core issues across race and gender when compared to white voters.
“Black women voters and their contributions to our state are significant, and their issue interests must be reflected in the candidates that represent them. These polling results tell a story of what is truly important to Black women voters, but currently, these issues are being ignored by our lawmakers,” said Mica Whitfield, Georgia State Director at 9to5.
“The poll results send a clear message to politicians: Black women’s votes are earned, not guaranteed,” said Fatima Goss Graves, President and CEO of the National Women’s Law Center. “Black women know their power at the polls and they’re demanding a return on their investment from candidates. In a time where their rights are on the line, Black women voters are looking for confirmation that elected officials will fight for the issues most important to them – abortion rights, economic justice, and sensible gun control.”
Topline findings include:
- Abortion & Reproductive Freedom: Seventy-two percent of Black women voters and 58 percent of white voters in Georgia agree that elected officials should protect access to legal abortion for all, regardless of their personally held beliefs.
- Economic Justice:
- Black women reported greater difficulties in finding and affording child care than their white counterparts, particularly those in the younger age group of 18-34.
- Seventy-three percent of Black women and 64% of white voters agreed that the wealthy should be taxed for their fair share to fund services like public infrastructure, housing, education, and health care.
- Censorship in Schools: Seventy-six percent of Black women voters agreed that schools should be allowed to teach students that racial and gender inequality can exist in society and institutions, and also agree (81%) with policies that enable all students to learn in environments that allow them to be who they are and that are free from harassment, discrimination, and violence – only 52 percent of white voters agree with this.
- Gun Violence: Sixty-seven percent of Black women voters think elected officials passing gun laws that increase public safety and decrease gun violence is extremely important, compared to only 42 percent of their white voter counterparts.
This survey report details some of the issues and key policies that are motivating likely voters, especially women of color in Georgia.
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