Feminist Daily News Wire
November-07-12

Historic Election Results

On Tuesday, November 7th 2012 the United States of America reelected President Barack Obama, while the Democrats and Republics held on to their control of the Senate and the House, respectively. Historic victories and milestones in this year's election results include:

-President Barack Obama won re-election with 55% of women's votes and 45% of men's votes for a decisive and historic 10% gender gap, according to CNN exit polls.

-The 113th Congress will have 20 women Senators, the most in US History.

-Same sex marriage was legalized in Maine, Maryland and Washington via ballot measures -- marking the first time marriage equality has been won through the ballot.

-Minnesota rejected a constitutional amendment defining marriage as between one man and one woman -- marking the first time voters have rejected such a constitutional amendment.

-Tammy Baldwin was elected to the US Senate -- she is both the first woman elected to the US Senate from Wisconsin and the first openly lesbian/LGBT US Senator ever elected.

-Elizabeth Warren became the first woman ever elected to the US Senate from the state of Massachusetts.

-Colorado and Washington became the first states to legalize recreational marijuana. In Colorado, residents who are 21 or older can now use and possess an ounce of marijuana, and the state can regulate retail sales of the drug. In Washington, the state will now sell of small amounts of marijuana to people 21 and older, with sales tax.

-Maryland passed a state version of the DREAM Act -- the first act of its kind passed.

-New Hampshire elected the first-ever all-women congressional delegation.

-Mazie Hirono is the first Asian-American woman elected to the US Senate.

-Tulsi Gabbard is the first Hindu ever elected to the US House.

Media Resources: Huffington Post 11/07/2012; Feminist News Wire 11/07/2012

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