New Election Poll: The Lives and Voices of Black Families in 2024

Economic issues, reproductive freedom top voter concerns in new In Our Own Voice: Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda poll

WASHINGTON, DC (March 19, 2024) – Today, In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda, released new polling data on the motivations, voting intentions and top issue areas of Black voters, with a specific focus on Reproductive Justice and youth voter trends.

Conducted in partnership with non-partisan public opinion research firm PerryUndem, In Our Own Voice’s Lives and Voices of Black Families in 2024 poll surveyed 1,005 Black adults between January 22-27. Economic security and opportunity rank highest on the list of priorities for most Black voters – especially younger voters between the ages of 18-24. More Black voters than ever are also motivated to support pro-choice candidates who will advance Reproductive Justice policy in the wake of the Supreme Court striking down Roe v. Wade. About 40 percent of Black women of reproductive age say they feel less safe, think about the risk of death if they become pregnant, have considered moving to states with access to full reproductive care, and are unsure whether or not they will even have children as a result of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision.

“So many of the issues that impact Black families are linked to economic safety and security. At the same time, there is an all-out assault on our reproductive rights. What’s important for lawmakers, those running for office and voters to understand is that economic freedom and Reproductive Justice are inextricably tied together,” said Regina Davis Moss, President & CEO of In Our Own Voice. “We need life-saving and life-enhancing policies in place that support our reproductive health decisions. If and when we do choose to have families, we need policies in place that allow us to do that in safe and sustainable environments. As an organization led by Black women and gender-expansive people, we know the power we have at the ballot box. It’s also why we’re using these findings to help bring more voters to the polls via our I Am A Reproductive Justice Voter campaign – an initiative designed to mobilize Black voter turnout in support of our key interests.”

More on key findings of the report:

• Black voters are six times more likely to vote for a candidate who supports abortion access than one who opposes it.
• As many as 1 in 5 Black voters are on the fence about who will get their votes, while 55 percent say they will support Joe Biden in the presidential election.
• Young voters are indicating they are less motivated to vote than they were in 2020, but 70 percent still believe in the power of voting to effect change.
• Black voters want more representation in halls of power. In particular, 84 percent want to see more Black women in office.

“The results of this polling show abortion access is a clear, top issue for Black voters. We need that and more. We can’t just stop at restoring Roe v. Wade. The full spectrum of reproductive care needs to be affordable and accessible for everyone, starting with contraception. Elected officials and those running for office must commit to and uplift a clear Reproductive Justice policy framework that energizes our community to show up at the ballot box and secure our votes,” said Davis Moss.

You can learn about In Our Own Voice’s I Am A Reproductive Justice Voter campaign here.

Dr. Regina Davis Moss, President and CEO of In Our Own Voice is available for further comment. Please contact inourownvoice@berlinrosen.com to coordinate an interview. 

Polling methodology: This report provides findings from a national survey conducted among 1,005 Black adults from January 22 through January 27, 2024. The survey was administered by Ipsos’ KnowledgePanel. The margin of sampling error is + 3.5 percentage points.

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In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda is a national-state partnership focused on lifting up the voices of Black women leaders at the national and state levels in our fight to secure Reproductive Justice for all Black women, femmes, and girls. Our eight strategic partners are Black Women for Wellness, Black Women’s Health Imperative, New Voices for Reproductive Justice, SisterLove, Inc. SisterReach, SPARK Reproductive Justice NOW, The Afiya Center and Women With A Vision.