In a strategic push, the Vice President targets women’s rights and reproductive health to galvanise support as polling tightens

As Election Day approaches, Vice President Kamala Harris is embarking on an intensive campaign tour, visiting every battleground state in the final week before voters head to the polls. With a particular focus on female voters, Harris aims to mobilise support and drive turnout for her campaign.

In a recent Democratic advertisement, the campaign has emphasised the importance of voting privately, stating, “You can vote any way you want and no one will ever know.” This message resonates particularly with women, highlighting the empowerment of individual choice in the voting booth.

At a rally in Kalamazoo, Michigan, former First Lady Michelle Obama delivered a powerful message to women, urging them to recognise their worth beyond traditional roles. “If you are a woman who lives in a household of men that don’t listen to you or value your opinion, just remember that your vote is a private matter,” she declared, reinforcing the significance of women’s voices in the electoral process.

Attendees at the rally expressed that they have heard from female Republicans who plan to vote Democratic, indicating a shift in voter sentiment. One voter shared, “There’s been kind of a little under campaign going about. You can vote and no one knows your vote. And it’s been aiming at women.” This sentiment underscores the campaign’s strategic focus on reproductive rights, a critical issue for many first-time female voters.

Harris has made it clear that restoring Roe v. Wade is a top priority if she wins the election. In an interview with CBS News, she asserted, “I support Roe v. Wade being put back into law by Congress, and to restore the fundamental right of women to make decisions about their own body. It is that basic.”

While Harris has been cautious in addressing questions about abortion restrictions post-fetal viability, she highlighted the devastating consequences women have faced since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. “We have seen women who are experiencing a miscarriage around a pregnancy they prayed for and being denied healthcare because doctors are afraid they’re going to go to prison,” she lamented, calling for urgent action to restore reproductive rights and alleviate suffering.

The Vice President also warned against trusting former President Donald Trump’s assurances that he would not support a national abortion ban, pointing out his inconsistent statements on the issue. “Come on, are we really taking his word for it? He said that women should be punished,” Harris said, emphasising the importance of holding Trump accountable for his past comments and actions regarding women’s rights.

As polling indicates a tightening race for the presidency, with Harris’s early momentum stalling, she remains unfazed by the numbers. “Polling is a measure, but to be frank, if I’d listened to polls I would have never run for my first or second office,” she stated, reflecting her determination to make an impact despite the late entry into the race as the Democratic nominee.

Pointing to record early voting turnout in key states like North Carolina and Georgia, Harris sees signs of enthusiasm that could benefit her campaign. “I’m gonna make the most of the time I have,” she affirmed, underscoring her commitment to reaching voters and advocating for issues that resonate deeply with them.

As the final days of campaigning unfold, Harris’s focused outreach to female voters could prove crucial in shaping the outcome of the upcoming election, as she aims to galvanise support around the imperative of protecting reproductive rights and empowering women at the ballot box.