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There is a tremendous gap in representation between men and women in elected and appointed positions. The purpose of our paper is to analyze how the public perceives women's roles in government. We ask how do attitudes toward women impact the adoption of women‘s interest legislation? This research seeks to enhance our understanding of the public's role in the lack of women in state level positions by asking questions concerning gender roles in society/government, gender roles in decision-making and how involved government should be in ensuring female representation on local boards/commissions and city councils. There is currently very little research concerning attitudes toward women serving in appointed advisory and decision-making boards; the bulk of the research focuses on women and representation. To study these relationships we conducted a survey of voters ‘ attitudes toward women in government in Pennsylvania and Iowa. We find significant differences in support for gender equality in governing and positive attributes in the qualifications and abilities of females in decision-making among male and female respondents. We also find that respondents in Iowa, which has adopted women‘s interes