Press Release: New Research Highlights Women’s Voting and Civic Engagement in Utah
The Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) at Utah State University has unveiled a new research snapshot titled “Voting and Civic Engagement Among Utah Women: A 2025 Update.” This comprehensive report delves into the historical and contemporary challenges faced by women in Utah concerning civic engagement, revealing both notable advancements and ongoing obstacles.
Historically, Utah is celebrated for granting women the right to vote under an equal suffrage law in 1870. Currently, while voter turnout among Utah women has begun to exceed the national average, significant barriers remain. Safety concerns, a lack of representation, and unmet quality-of-life needs continue to impede full participation.
Key findings from the report include:
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Voter Turnout Trends: In 1992, Utah women boasted the nation’s highest voter turnout at 76.0%. However, this figure plummeted by 2006, ranking Utah women last in the country. As of 2024, Utah has rebounded, sitting at 29th for women’s voter turnout.
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Policy Priorities: Women prioritize issues such as education, healthcare, housing, and affordability but score Utah’s performance lower than men on 14 out of 17 crucial issues.
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Civic Participation: Utah leads nationally in volunteerism, with 68.2% engaging in informal volunteer work.
- Representation Gaps: Despite improvements in voter turnout and women in elected roles, Utah still falls short on overall political representation compared to the national average.
The UWLP report serves as a pivotal call to action, urging stakeholders to amplify women’s voices and ensure their leadership roles are fully integrated into civic life, especially at the local level. Strengthening these contributions is vital for a more equitable and robust Utah.
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