TYLER (KYTX) - Right now the daily Gallup Poll shows Romney leading president Obama, and that's in part due to female voters.
Enthusiasm about this election among women voters has doubled since June, and tripled since October last year, and the candidates are taking note.
Tyler mother of three Jennifer Alden is staying up to date on the election mainly because she's thinking about the future of her children. She says other women she knows are doing the same.
"I do see moms and women a little more aware of what's going on," Alden says.
Four years ago women voters played a large role in Obama's victory. Exit polls in that election showed Obama leading McCain by 13 percentage points.
"Obviously it made a big difference," Alden says, "especially for the young women."
Now, a USA Today/Gallup Poll shows Romney has pulled within one point of the president, among likely female voters.
A nationwide Pew Research Center poll, taken after the last debate was released last week. It showed that Obama and Romney are tied at 47 percent among female voters. That means Obama's 18 point lead among women in September, has evaporated.
Trends like this have the candidates directing answers at their female voters, making sure to acknowledge their key interests.
Tyler mother of three Leslie Harrison says, "My top issues are access to health care, equal rights, equal pay for women, education."
The latest USA Today poll shows the most important issue for women, is health care.
"Health care is important," Alden says. "I don't know one person who doesn't believe that something has to happen with health insurance, what happens when you go to the doctor, how much it's going to cost."
Polls show Obama still takes the lead with women when it comes to that, but their second priority is the economy.
"The economy is an issue I'm paying attention to," Harrison says.
"I think the economy effects your entire lie," Alden says.
On that subject, the survey shows more women side with Romney.
With regard to women in the workplace, Obama pointed to the Fair Pay act he signed into law, giving women more rights to sue if they feel they're not making as much as men.
Romney said employers need to understand the need for flexible scheduling for moms, and by strengthening the economy, there will be more jobs for women and everyone else.
Obama and Romney may each have a slight edge over the other in polls among women in key swing states, but overall they're virtually neck and neck.
