“This is Jubilee day. This is Glory day. I am so happy to be here tonight to tell you about the long trail-the Suffrage Trail the wonderful Trail that has led us up and up until today, women are free.”
A speech given to the Des Moines Political Equality Club in 1920 by Alice Longley.
I’m writing this letter to all women (and men) in Jasper and Polk Counties who are not sure if their vote is important, not sure if the midterm elections are worth their time. Well, if you don’t mind ,I would like to give you all a refresher course on why we all need to vote each and every time an election comes our way.
Before 1840, women only wished they could vote. Voting was for “men only.” The women’s suffrage movement began to gather strength in the 1840’s emerging from the broader movement for women’s rights with Elizabeth Cady Staton, Susan B Anthony and Lucy Stone leading the way.
In 1916, Alice Paul formed the National Women’s Party, a militant group focused on the passage of the national suffrage amendment. Over 200 supports were arrested in 1917 while picketing the White House. While some of the picketers were jailed they went on a hunger strike. They endured force-feedings and terrible torment while in prison at the hands of their guards, but they endured.
After a very hard-fought series of votes in the United States Congress and in the state legislatures, the 19th Amendment was ratified to the Constitution of the United States of American on Aug. 20, 1920 — the victory won.
It states: “The rights of citizens of the United State to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of race, color or sex.”
So, if you still think your vote isn’t important ladies, always remember there were women in our past who fought for the rights we have today because without the brave women of the past there possibly would be no voting for us. Maybe it’s the reason all United States Citizens can have the right to vote. Don’t waste your right. On Nov. 6, exercise the gift given to you on Aug. 20, 1920 — the gift of the right to vote. Let your voice be heard.
Suzanne Van Zandt
Newton