Short Answer 
The gender gap in voter turnout shows that women are voting at higher rates than men, as seen in the 2016 election where 63.3% of eligible women voted compared to 59.3% of men. This trend has been influenced by factors such as increased female workforce participation, shifts in societal norms, and effective political mobilization campaigns targeting women’s experiences and values.
Step 1: Recognizing the Gender Gap in Voter Turnout
The current gender gap in voter turnout highlights that a larger percentage of women are voting compared to men. This gap has evolved over the years, especially since the early 1980s, and by 2020, this trend was evident as women actively participated in elections. Key influences on this change include political mobilization and the impact of feminist movements on encouraging voter participation among women.
Step 2: Analyzing Voting Statistics
In the 2016 election, statistics showed that approximately 63.3% of eligible women voted, while only around 59.3% of eligible men did the same. This data indicates a significant disparity in voting behavior between genders. Women not only showed higher turnout rates but also demonstrated evolving political preferences, tending to lean more towards Democratic candidates, contrasting with the voting tendencies of men, who generally prefer Republican candidates.
Step 3: Understanding Influencing Factors
The change in voting patterns can be attributed to a variety of sociopolitical factors. Noteworthy influences include:
- Increased female participation in the workforce, which impacts political views and priorities.
- Shifts in societal norms influencing perspectives on important social issues, such as parenting and labor rights.
- The effectiveness of political mobilization campaigns that resonate more with women’s experiences and values.