Identity politics have played a significant role in shaping the landscape of American politics in recent years.
This Washington D.C. polling station was packed. The line wrapped around the room – some voters left and went to other voting stations because this one was just too crowded. So clearly, this was an election that mattered to a lot of people.
Does identity politics play a role in the way people cast their vote?
The 2020 election happened in the middle of major social movements like Black Lives Matter and Stop Asian Hate, leaving the indelible mark of identity politics on that era of American history. But now, it appears the tide has shifted.
"It seems to be less polarized than in past elections,” libertarian voter Josh said. “Well, in terms of larger numbers of nonwhite voters turning out to vote for Trump than in past elections."
"Hello to all of my divine, nine brothas and sistas!" said Vice president Kamala Harris at the Black Congressional Caucus Dinner.
During her campaign, Kamala Harris received criticism for changing her accent in front of black audiences.
"You better thank a union member for sick leave,” said Harris. “You better thank a union member for paid leave! You better thank a union member for vacation time!"
Kenneth Jenkins supports Donald Trump and discussed how he felt about African American voters choosing Kamala Harris based on her identity as a black woman.
"I think that's racist,” said Jenkins. “And I think it's simple. Just like if you were in a high school there would be children doing 1+1=2 and then you have people doing trigonometry. I think they are on a simple level. Life isn't that simple. I think that's ridiculous, personally."
Early exit polls showed a significant gender gap between Harris and Trump voters, with women favoring Harris by ten points. Maggie Michael explained why she chose to vote for Harris.
"To, hopefully, protect my rights as a woman,” Michael said. “I definitely want to protect all women. This is our chance to make sure that we can have access to abortion when or if someone needs or chooses to have one."
If these voters were indicative at all of the national sentiment, then there wasn't necessarily a racial divide but a gendered one.