What are women's thoughts on Kamala Harris becoming America's first female president?

The historic election, held in an unusual campaign season, is just a few days away.

In 2020, America may elect its first female president in Kamala Harris, who entered the race later. Unlike in 2016, when Hillary Clinton was the Democratic nominee, gender has not been a significant issue during the campaign. Harris has deliberately chosen to emphasize policy rather than her identity.

How do women voters feel about the prospect of electing the first female president and what is its position on their list of priorities?

The gender gap in the polls is significant: Harris leads Trump among women by 54% to 42%, while Trump leads Harris among men by 55% to 41%, according to The New York Times/Siena College Poll from October 20th to 23rd.

We interviewed women from various backgrounds and political affiliations across the U.S. about the factors impacting their vote, including students, mid-career professionals, executives, and small-business owners who identify as Democrats, Republicans, and Independents.

Despite the excitement of seeing a woman on the ballot, some women we spoke to still feel the scars of their hopes being dashed for a Clinton win in 2016, leaving them feeling less enthusiastic and more cynical.

Regardless of the election's outcome, it is seen as progress because it helps normalize the idea of a woman as the U.S. president.

Women's opinions on having a female candidate as the first or second woman to lead the ballot are captured in this snapshot.

Interviews have been edited and condensed for clarity.

Emma Bogdan, a full-time student at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York, is 18 years old.

Seeing another woman on the presidential ballot is comforting. While it was a major shock to see Hillary Clinton as the nominee in 2016, it now feels almost normal.

Although I haven't made a decision on who I'll vote for, my choice won't be influenced by gender. Instead, I'll base my decision on each candidate's policies and who would be the best leader for our country.

The presence of a woman on the ballot may motivate more women to vote, regardless of their choice for Harris, which is a positive shift long overdue.

Regardless of the election outcome, it will be a significant change for everyone in the U.S.

Annie Lazan, 24, human resources assistant in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey

In 2016, I was confident that we would elect our first woman president. I went to the polls with my mom and older sister, proud to vote for Hillary Clinton. However, we were shocked when she lost to Trump.

I'm voting for Harris because of her phenomenal track record, and I hope that one day, I can tell my children that I played a role in electing our first woman president.

Politics are complex, and it's not fair to expect her to solve all the problems in the U.S. However, I appreciate the promises she's made during her campaign, and even if she doesn't fulfill them, it seems like a positive step for our country.

Chicago, Illinois, 26-year-old Bushra Amiwala serves on the Skokie School District Board of Education.

In 2016, the prospect of having our first woman president in the U.S. was long overdue and generated a great deal of momentum and excitement. However, I believe that seeing a woman on the ballot today no longer feels as exciting or charming.

I ponder whether we are being too soft on Harris regarding certain matters, solely because individuals desire to witness a female in the presidency.

Although I am likely to vote for Vice President Harris, I am torn about my decision because she has been a part of the administration that has been involved in the Israel-Palestine conflict, and as a Muslim American, that is a significant concern for me.

Many individuals residing in non-swing states are casting their ballots for third-party candidates to convey their dissatisfaction with Harris' handling of various issues and to emphasize the importance of candidates earning their vote.

We're not just going to clap because this candidate resembles us; they've exceeded the minimum standards at this stage.

Sydney Van Dyke, 27, library worker in Overland Park, Kansas

The 2016 election, where Clinton and Trump were the candidates, was my first time voting. I believed it would be a landslide, with the thought, "We're on the verge of electing our first female president."

Although I was more enthusiastic in the past due to my belief in humanity, I am still excited about the woman candidate this time, who is a person of color. However, I am concerned about who she is running against, as the novelty of a woman running for president has worn off since the 2016 election.

The prospect of a second Trump presidency seems like a negative outcome for all.

In Los Angeles, Lauren Simmons, a 30-year-old author, wrote "Make Money Move."

Seeing women on the ballot is always significant. I was thrilled to see all the female candidates vying for the presidential nomination, including Nikki Haley. The more women in the pool, the more conversations that represent women and the issues we face, and the more women holding seats of power, the more beautiful the experience becomes.

We were ready for a woman president in 2016, as shown by the numbers. Hillary won the popular vote, and that momentum hasn't been lost. However, I am cautiously optimistic because no one wants to go through the heartbreak of another election loss.

In Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, Signe Espinoza, 31, serves as the executive director at Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates.

As I approach this election, ensuring that women have full access to sexual and reproductive health care is a top priority for me. I have been inspired by Kamala Harris's commitment to this issue during her time as vice president and throughout her campaign.

I eagerly anticipate witnessing Harris' victory. It's astonishing that I've never before seen a woman of color, someone who resembles me, on the presidential ticket.

I believe she possesses the necessary lived experience and perspective to propel our country forward.

In Phoenix, Brianna Doe, 31, founded Verbatim, a marketing agency.

Although I'm voting for a woman candidate, it's not because she's a woman, but because of her stance on women's health and autonomy. My fear of the future for myself and my future children if I have children is what drives my decision.

While a significant portion of the U.S. may be ready for a woman president, there is also a significant portion that is not. One thing that scares me if she gets elected is the potential backlash. However, I don't believe that everyone in the U.S. will ever be ready for a woman president, just as not everyone was ready for a Black president.

Sami Sage, 35, co-founder of Betches Media in New York City

My biggest concern is the future of our free democracy, and I hope to have another free and fair election for the rest of my life.

The candidates' genders have influenced their personalities and values, which align or don't align with my own.

Sess Lee, 37, hair salon owner in Arlington, Texas

We've come so far that it's emotional just to be alive during a time when a woman is even on the ballot.

I admire Kamala for her impressive career in law and politics, as well as her blended family. She has no regrets about not having children and speaks openly about the challenges women face in achieving their ambitions. Her speeches have inspired countless women of diverse backgrounds.

If Kamala becomes president, I believe that not everyone in the U.S. is prepared for a woman leader, similar to how they were not ready for a Black president. Despite facing intense criticism and attacks, like Trump did, I think Kamala can handle the pressure and achieve great things as president.

Ariel Washington, 39, works in health-care consulting in Lincoln, Nebraska

While it's great to have a female candidate, my vote is based on the policies they propose.

It is thrilling to witness a young person succeed in the workplace. It is exhilarating to observe a woman who has a strong chance of winning an election.

I'm not voting for her because of her personal qualities, but rather because of her policy positions, which I don't fully agree with.

The bar is higher for her, and things that are acceptable for other candidates are not acceptable for her. The attacks against her have been particularly sexist. Despite this, she is still polling well and is a close contender in the race. To achieve this, she had to be much better and on a shorter timeline than usual for a presidential campaign. Therefore, I believe this is a significant accomplishment.

Nadia Rahman, 39, digital communications consultant and political organizer in San Francisco

I have opted not to cast my vote for either Donald Trump or Kamala Harris.

The genocide in Gaza is my top concern, and I believe the U.S.'s complicity in it is unacceptable.

I am both Muslim American and Pakistani American. While I am not Palestinian myself, I support the Palestinian community. The genocide in Gaza and the Biden-Harris administration's role in it are moral questions. However, the way it's being portrayed in the media has intensified anti-Arab racism and Islamophobia.

The only thing that could change my mind would be if a permanent ceasefire is secured in Gaza before the election and an arms embargo is put on Israel to stop the killings.

A hiring platform CEO, Adriene Schwager, 41, resides in St. Louis, Missouri.

The fundamental issue of women's bodies being part of the government is a political problem, and while it is a matter of rights, there will always be an unfair power dynamic in having control over one gender's bodies but not another. This makes it difficult to achieve true equality.

It is my hope that a woman will be elected as the U.S. president during my lifetime and my child's lifetime, so that future generations can witness firsthand that both genders can hold the office. The current impressions being made now will greatly influence the voting decisions of the future.

A resource specialist for a fundraising organization in Kansas City, Missouri is Meghan O'Connor, who is 45 years old.

My family includes several transgender members, and the election has sparked a lot of controversy and fear about transgender individuals. As a result, it's crucial for me to support a candidate who will ensure my family's safety and provide them with the right to live as humans and access necessary medical care.

The increasing number of young women registering to vote is crucial, and it will likely impact the polls and the number of votes for Harris. Harris is attracting new voters by making them feel included in the process.

Jill Homan, 49, finance executive in Archer Lodge, North Carolina

What is the main concern I have before the upcoming election?

As a voter, I believe that Trump is the better candidate to address the economy and immigration, which are the most important issues for me.

I believe Americans, including myself, are feeling the strain of both the economy and Vice President Harris' leadership style. We want to change course and move in a better direction.

I, as a member of the LGBTQ community, believe that Trump is a strong ally and has been a supporter of our community's issues; however, I understand that there are differing opinions on this matter.

As a woman and a mother, I strongly support the preservation of Title IX, and I believe that Trump is a valuable ally in this regard.

I support Trump because of his policies and plan to strengthen our country, not because of his skin color, gender, or sexual identity.

Jennifer Ashton, 55, founded and leads Ajenda, a women's health company based in New York City.

I voted for Harris, but I wasn't completely satisfied with my choice.

I am a financial conservative with moderate or liberal social views, and I consider myself a centrist on issues. As a result, I have registered as an Independent.

It has been challenging for me to distinguish between the individual and the party when it comes to Harris and Trump. While I appreciate Harris as an individual, I disagree with many of the party's current positions. On the other hand, although I dislike Trump as an individual, there are certain aspects of the party's platform that I support.

As a physician and a women's health specialist, I am deeply concerned about the risks and consequences of the overturning of Roe v. Wade on both women and men's lives. This decision puts everyone in a precarious health situation.

An exceptional communicator is what is needed now more than ever to lead the parties.

As the chief medical correspondent for ABC News, I extensively covered the pandemic and witnessed the dangers of poor communication, which contributed to the current epidemic of misinformation and disinformation, affecting both health and politics.

Sallie Krawcheck, 59, CEO and founder of Ellevest in New York City

The most crucial concerns for me in this election are women's reproductive rights and paid family leave, in addition to the candidate's ability to drive a stronger economy.

Is the U.S. better off with a woman president and the different perspective she would bring? I believe so.

Earn more money at work by taking CNBC's new online course, "How to Negotiate a Higher Salary." Expert instructors will teach you the necessary skills to increase your paycheck, including how to prepare and build confidence, what to say and do, and how to craft a counteroffer. Register now and use coupon code EARLYBIRD for a 50% discount through Nov. 26, 2024.

Sign up for CNBC Make It's newsletter to receive tips and tricks for success at work, with money and in life.