Is the United States ready for a female president? An overwhelming number of voters say yes. In fact, new research shows that likely 2020 voters are hearing the media’s sexism and, for the most part, ignoring it. 

The survey — conducted by Benenson Strategy Group, which polled 800 likely voters over a five-day period last month — found more than half of voters (56%) have heard the media mention how women specifically are considered “unelectable.” When looking at the last few years, though, 78% of voters — or 8 out of 10 — concluded we shouldn’t listen to people who think they can predict which types of candidates are electable.

In contrast, 22% of voters believe the country “just isn’t ready to elect a female president and that’s not going to change in the next two years.” 

So what does it take to earn a vote? According to survey results, three key traits will secure their vote in the 2020 elections — empathy, toughness and substance. For Republicans, having a deep understanding of the challenges average Americans face is the top sign of electability. For Democrats, it’s being able to go toe-to-toe with the opposing candidate in the general election.

By contrast, few voters consider the “beer test” — who you would be most likely to grab a drink or coffee with — or fundraising advantages when determining electability.

Read the full Gender on the Ballot survey here.