Welcome Back Meeting: 2018 Midterm Elections
2018 has been called “The Year of the Woman” by some as the current political climate has created platforms such as the #MeToo campaign for female voices to be heard. Across the United States, there has been a significant increase in women running for office. This is especially evident in Pennsylvania, a state with a historic lack of female representation.
In September we held our first meeting of the 2018-2019 year to kick off the fall semester and welcome members, both new and returning. The meeting was lead by Cameron Cardona (Co-President), Lauren Preski (Treasurer), and Gina Maria Vreeland (Director of Communications). Our focus for September was on the importance of women in politics and the role of women in the 2018 midterm elections. With the United States ranking 102nd in women’s representation in government, it is up to voters to fairly balance the scales. G. Terry Madonna, Director of the Franklin and Marshall Poll, noted “the female aspect of this election is very important” in a recent lecture at SJU.
Before the 2018 midterm elections, there were no women in PA congressional seats. Eight women ran for congressional office: Madeleine Dean (D, 4), Pearl Kim (R, 5), Mary Gay Scanlon (D, 5), Chrissy Houlahan (D, 6), Susan Ellis Wild (D, 7), Jessica King (D, 11), Bibiana Boerio (D, 14), Susan Boser (D, 15). Of those eight women Dean, Scanlon, Houlahan, and Wild won their races.
Members of WLI discussed the 2018 midterm elections in both PA and their home states. Issues like equal pay, cost of child care, family leave, and healthcare were also discussed, as they are typically more prioritized by women in politics. We are so excited to welcome new WLI members and look forward to seeing you all at our Pay Equity Bake Sale on December 12th (7 pm – 9 pm) in the Library Atrium.
About the Author:
