Women's Equality Day should remind us to vote
Editor, Townsman:
Aug. 26 marks the 90th anniversary of women winning the vote. After a Congressional resolution established the day as Women's Equality Day in 1971, celebrations have been held across the country.
The 72-year, non-stop, non-violent campaign involved thousands of men and women who understood that there was no legal, no Constitutional, no logical reason why women could not vote.
The first wave of suffragists traveled the country giving speeches, meeting with legislators, raising money, getting petitions signed, and visiting the White House. Wyoming, Utah, Idaho, and Colorado were the first states to allow women to vote in national elections, in the 1890s. It was 1910 when Massachusetts guaranteed this right.
After the deaths of Lucy Stone, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony and other early suffragists, the National Women's Party, established in 1916 by Alice Paul and Lucy Burns, continued an all-out fight for a federal amendment. As seen in the DVD, "Iron-Jawed Angels," this involved picketing the White House, being jailed, and being force-fed.
Realizing the efforts that have been made on our behalf, how can any woman forget to vote? This is our privilege and our responsibility. Let's help to improve our society, as the suffragists hoped we would. Next time there is an election, listen to the candidates, get the facts and vote.
Sally Matson
23 William St.
Susan B. Anthony performer
