Women Voters and Previous Presidential Elections

2004 General Election

CNN: Kerry Won 51 Percent of the Women Electorate. According to CNN exit polls, Kerry won 51 percent of the women in the electorate compared to 48 percent for Bush. In 2004, females made up 54 percent of the electorate. [CNN 2004 Exit Polls]

In 2000, Bush Won 43 Percent of Women and Lost the Popular Vote; In 2004, Bush Won Re-Election with Votes from 49 Percent of Women. The Chicago Tribune reported, “In 2000, George W. Bush won the support of 43 percent of women and lost the popular vote, though he won the election; in 2004, he won re-election with votes from 49 percent of women.” NOTE: The Chicago Tribune reported Bush won 49 percent of women in 2004, however, according to CNN exit polls, he won with 48 percent of women. [Chicago Tribune, “The Swamp,” 6/6/08]

Women's Vote in Past Presidential Elections

Women have determined the popular vote winner in presidential elections for two decades. From 1980 to 2000, women determined the popular vote winner in presidential elections. [Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University]