Oklahoma ranks 46th out of 50 (excluding D.C.) for the share of voting eligible women who voted in presidential and midterm elections from 2020-2022. Oregon saw the highest percentage of involvement with 73.3%, and West Virginia ranked last with 47.3%.
Average of the percentage of female U.S. citizens age 18 and older who voted in the last presidential and national midterm elections.
Source: America’s Health Rankings
Females comprise 50.1% of Oklahoma’s population but are noticeably underrepresented in elected positions. Women’s voices and needs are invariably relayed by decision-making men, much like a game of telephone. Whether at the ballot box or on the legislative floor, adequate representation of women by women to tell women’s stories is a nonpartisan idea; it is a tenet of representative democracy.
Women’s effect on all levels of government is vital in advancing women’s health. Women know women’s experiences best. Interventions implemented from the local to national levels play an outsized role in addressing health outcomes and disparities.
Representation can come in various forms, including women holding office and voting in elections. Women make up a larger share of registered voters and eligible Oklahomans who vote, a trend reflected nationally.
Despite gradual increases in turnout over time, Oklahoma ranked 46th nationally in female voter participation during the 2020/2022 presidential and midterm elections. It is believed that part of Oklahomans’ apathy is the perceived lack of competition in races, particularly at the top of the ballot and between the two dominant political parties.
After the 2020 election, women comprised 21.5% of the Oklahoma legislature. This number fell slightly two years later to 20.1%. Today, women make up 22.8% of the state legislature.
In recent years, there has been a notable surge in the participation of women in seeking prominent political offices. While this progress is slowing – and in some areas, backsliding – the general trend marks a significant shift in societal perceptions and expectations. Recognizing the potential impact of candidates who not only mirror the demographics of the population but also possess the ability to engage and inspire voters is important to improving voter turnout in these elections.
Comparing election data can be difficult. Presidential election years yield higher voter turnouts than midterm and off-year elections (during odd-number years). Generally, reports discussing voter-related turnout focus on presidential election years or analyze the two separately.
Policy factors such as candidate excitement, incumbency, or state question content will affect voter turnout. Lesser thought-of factors, such as weather or a pandemic, can also play a role.
This issue brief was written by Metriarch staff as part of our Data Lookbook. Contributions and peer review were provided by Representative Ajay Pittman.
Suggested citation
Metriarch. “Social Dynamics,” Data Lookbook (2024). URL: metriarchok.org/women-affecting-government.
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