Methodology

How the Girls Matter Score works

The Girls Matter Score is designed to give voters a clear, consistent view of where candidates stand on issues impacting girls' sports, privacy, and equal opportunity.

Overview

Each candidate is evaluated using a consistent scoring framework based on publicly available information. The goal is to provide voters with a simple, transparent score that reflects a candidate’s public positions, statements, advocacy, and other leadership actions relevant to girls’ sports, privacy, and Title IX protections.

Scores are intended to help voters compare candidates using the same criteria. The score reflects the information available at the time of evaluation and may be updated if additional relevant public information becomes available.

Scoring categories

Definition of a Girl

Whether a candidate clearly supports sex-based definitions in law, policy, and public life.

Girls' Sports

Whether a candidate supports fair competition and protected athletic opportunities for girls.

Privacy & Spaces

Whether a candidate supports sex-based private spaces such as locker rooms, restrooms, and similar facilities.

Title IX Protections

Whether a candidate supports preserving Title IX protections and equal opportunity for girls and women.

Leadership & Public Position

Whether a candidate has demonstrated clarity, consistency, and leadership on these issues.

What information is considered

  • Public statements
  • Campaign websites and campaign materials
  • Public interviews and forum comments
  • Public social media posts
  • Voting records, where applicable
  • Public advocacy, leadership actions, or endorsements relevant to the score

How points are assigned

Each category has a defined maximum number of points. Candidates receive points based on the strength, consistency, and clarity of their public record within that category. A candidate may receive full points, partial points, or no points depending on the available evidence.

Scoring tiers:

  • 20 points: Multiple vote records, bill sponsorship, and/or clear, consistent public statements aligned with protecting girls’ sports, privacy, and spaces.
  • 15 points: At least one strong vote or clear public position aligned with these protections.
  • 10 points: Limited, mixed, or indirect evidence.
  • 5 points: Evidence indicating opposition to these protections.
  • 1 point: Consistent legislative or public opposition.

Candidates with no available voting record or public statements on a given issue may be scored in a neutral range until sufficient evidence becomes available.

A higher score reflects stronger support for policies and positions that protect girls’ sports, privacy, and equal opportunity.

Score rating scale

In addition to the numeric score, each candidate is assigned a rating label to help voters quickly understand how their public record aligns with protections for girls’ sports, privacy, and Title IX.

90–100 — Strong Support

Consistently supports policies and positions that protect girls’ sports, privacy, and Title IX protections.

75–89 — Supportive

Generally supports protections for girls, with some limited gaps, exceptions, or an incomplete public record.

60–74 — Mixed

Has taken inconsistent, limited, or unclear positions across the scoring categories.

40–59 — Concerning

Has taken positions or actions that raise concerns about support for girls’ sports, privacy, or Title IX protections.

0–39 — Opposes

Has supported positions, policies, or actions that undermine protections for girls’ sports, privacy, or Title IX.