To say Election season is upon us may be the biggest understatement of the year. The 2016 Presidential Election is turning out to be one of the most interesting races in recent history, in many unconventional ways. On one hand, we may be electing our first female President. Or, we could be electing a businessman who has never gotten into politics before. While opinions and ideas about both candidates continue to get thrown around over the next month, one thing will be more important to this Presidential election than perhaps ever before: The female vote.

Women make up half of the population of the United States. Since the 19th amendment came into play, allowing women the right to vote, that right has been exercised with great importance and impact. In fact, since 1980, women have consistently voted more than men. In recent Presidential elections, women have shown up to the polls to vote four to seven million more times. That’s extremely significant, considering the rules of our electoral college.

The ‘gender gap’ is showing up again and again in today’s society, and this election is bound to see that happening again, especially because of Hillary Clinton’s strong campaign. Historically, women have often been more likely to vote Democrat than Republican, which has helped candidates like Barack Obama in the past. In fact, Obama was down by seven points in the last Presidential election with the male vote, but because so many women voted, and voted his way, he was obviously able to win the election.

So again, no matter who you plan on voting for this election, understand just how powerful the female vote really is, and consider the impact it continues to make for our country. It’s becoming a stronger voice year after year, demanding change in all the best ways. Now, more than ever, this is an election year for that voice to be heard.

The post The Importance of the Female Vote: Vote in the 2016 Election appeared first on Naaz Magazine.