By ggablog 
The 2024 U.S. election is emerging as one marked by a pronounced gender divide: Donald Trump has a solid lead among male voters, while Kamala Harris enjoys strong support among women. As each candidate intensifies their voter outreach, the stakes for women’s votes are higher than ever.
Late last month, a grassroots campaign gained momentum on social media, featuring post-it notes in women’s restrooms and on personal items with messages encouraging votes for Harris. These notes, found in public spaces like restroom stalls and diaper bags, contained messages such as “Woman to woman, no one sees your vote at the polls,” followed by “Harris/Walz 2024.” Ready-made sticky notes endorsing Harris are even available for purchase online.
While it’s unclear who initiated this viral movement, the campaign is aimed at women in traditionally Republican-leaning areas, attempting to reach those who may be hesitant to openly oppose Trump. In recent years, the gender gap has widened significantly, with more young women leaning progressive, especially following events such as the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, which mobilized many in support of reproductive rights.
As both sides strategize for final outreach, polling reveals Harris with an edge among female voters, while Trump leads with male voters. Experts believe the female vote will be decisive, given that women have historically turned out to vote in higher numbers than men. Early voting patterns show that women are already outpacing men in states such as Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia, boosting confidence within the Harris camp. Efforts are now focused on mobilizing moderate suburban women and white women without college degrees, two groups who could be pivotal in a tight race.
Younger voters also reveal a sharp gender divide. Among women aged 18-39, 66% support Harris, while men in the same age group lean toward Trump. Researchers suggest that young women’s increasing liberalism has been influenced by movements like #MeToo and reactions to social issues, including gun control and racial equity, while many young men feel frustrated by changing gender norms and seek a return to traditional roles.
Trump’s rhetoric centers on portraying himself as a defender of traditional values, positioning himself as a protector of women and promoting a vision of masculinity that appeals to voters concerned with family and security. Harris, meanwhile, is accompanied by running mate Tim Walz, whose image counters hyper-masculine stereotypes with a caring, family-oriented persona.
The close nature of the race makes it difficult to predict which approach will prevail, but with such a gender gap in turnout and candidate preference, it’s clear the election may hinge on female voter support. As one Democratic pollster stated, “The formula for victory is to win women by more than you lose men.”