Today is Women’s Equality Day, the anniversary of the adoption of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote. It was a hard-fought battle that began in 1848 at the Seneca Falls Convention, where 200 women gathered to discuss women’s rights. From there they spread out through the country to give speeches, get petitions signed, and gain support, all with little backing, financial or otherwise. Finally, in 1920, the Amendment, which was proposed the previous year, managed to be ratified–barely. And who was the person who put it over the margin needed for ratification? A young legislator (age 23) who was won over to the cause by his mother.
This is a classic story of American dedication and perseverance. But it doesn’t matter if women don’t vote.
Women, let the spirits of those who came before us inspire us. If you aren’t yet registered to vote, do it today. And, come November, VOTE. Women have the heart and power to steer our nation in the direction of what is right and just for all of its citizens!