National voter registration data shows that Vice President Kamala Harris’ historic candidacy is inspiring Black voters, particularly young Black women, to participate in the upcoming election at unprecedented levels. A new report from data firm TargetSmart reveals that voter registration rates for Black women in 13 key states have surged by more than 175% compared to the same period in 2020. This increase is nearly three times what it was four years ago, highlighting the significant impact Harris’ candidacy is having on this demographic. The trend extends beyond young Black women, with overall voter registration rates for Black women of all ages up by more than 98% and by over 85% among all Black voters.
Tom Bonier, a senior adviser to TargetSmart, emphasized that such a dramatic increase in voter registration is rare in elections. He pointed out that newly registered voters are more likely to vote on Election Day, making these numbers a strong indicator of heightened political engagement. Since Harris became the presumptive Democratic nominee following President Joe Biden’s exit from the race on July 21, Democrats have outpaced Republicans in voter registrations, holding a 20% edge. This shift underscores the critical role that Black voters, particularly women, have played and continue to play in shaping the Democratic Party’s success.
The Harris campaign has been strategically focusing on engaging young Black voters, meeting them in culturally relevant spaces like TikTok and at events like the BET Awards. The campaign has also prioritized rallying Black women voters, as seen in Harris’ appearance at the 60th Biennial Boule of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. in Houston. The enthusiasm among young Black women, like Jazlyn Perry, who expressed excitement about Harris’ candidacy, reflects the broader impact Harris is having on motivating and empowering a new generation of voters to participate in the political process.
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