Tuesday's elections in New Jersey and Virginia are poised to shatter multiple glass ceilings. Virginia's all-woman gubernatorial race between Democrat Abigail Spanberger and Republican Winsome Earle-Sears guarantees the state will elect its first woman governor, making Virginia the 33rd state to reach this milestone. If Earle-Sears wins, she would become the first Black woman to serve as governor in U.S. history.
In New Jersey, U.S. Representative Mikie Sherrill is running to become the state's second woman governor and first Democratic woman to hold the office. Both Earle-Sears and Sherrill are military veterans who could become the first woman veteran governor in American history.
The races extend beyond the governor's mansions. Virginia has a record 75 women (40.8%) running for the House of Delegates, while women are competing for mayor in 13 of the nation's top 100 cities, including potential historic firsts in Detroit, Cleveland, Miami, and Albuquerque.
With conservatives dominating the U.S. Supreme Court, protection of reproductive rights has fallen to individual states, making these state-level elections particularly consequential for women's rights and representation.
Track results and find comprehensive data at the Center for American Women and Politics, and read analysis from The Hill and Virginia Mercury.
Voting is one of our most powerful civic duties—but with registration deadlines, polling locations, and long ballots, it can easily feel overwhelming. A little preparation goes a long way. Here’s how to make the process smooth, stress-free, and effective.
Confirm your voter registration status. Visit Vote.org to confirm your voter registration status.
Get reminders and updates. Services like TurboVote will text or email you about upcoming elections, deadlines, and what’s on your ballot. Set a few calendar reminders as backup.
Know what’s on your ballot. Use Ballotpedia or Vote411.org to preview your local ballot, so you’re ready to make informed choices on every measure and candidate.
Make a voting plan. The I Will Vote campaign helps you map out where, when, and how you’ll vote. Research shows people with a plan are far more likely to follow through.
Avoid peak hours. Polls are busiest before 9 a.m. and during lunch. Mid-morning or mid-afternoon tends to mean shorter lines.
Bring your sample ballot. Fill it out at home, snap a photo, and bring it with you, it’ll save time and reduce stress in the booth.
Know your rights. If you’re in line when polls close, stay in line; you still have the right to vote. If you run into issues, call the Election Protection Hotlineat 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683).
The key to easier voting is preparation. Start early, use the right tools, and make a plan. Democracy works best when everyone participates, and these small steps help ensure your voice is heard.
Day Disrupted!
A Mayo Clinic study found that over 75% of midlife women experience menopause symptoms, yet more than 80% don’t seek medical care. Despite safe, effective treatments,only 1 in 4 women receive any care, revealing a major gap in treatment.
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