Your Vote is Your Voice
It was August 1920, 35 out of 48 states had already voted to ratify the 19th amendment, securing women’s right to vote. One more state was needed to pass this amendment. With other states refusing to act, the decision fell to Tennessee to either pass it or delay it further. Tennessee House of Representative Harry Burn, initially planned to vote no. But a few days before the general assembly, he changed his mind when he received a letter from his mother urging him to “be a good boy and do the right thing”. On August 18th, 1920, Mr. Burn cast the decisive “aye,” leading to the ratification of the 19th Amendment. The amendment was officially added to the Constitution on August 26th, 1920, formally securing “the right of citizens of the United States to vote and not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex”.
Women had been waiting for this moment for 70 years. The organized suffrage movement began in 1850 by a group of suffragists who tirelessly lobbied Congress using various tactics including protests, parades, hunger strikes, and legal challenges. Their relentless effort was not just about gaining the right to vote, it was also about raising their voices to influence the policies that affected their lives.
In 1971, Congress recognized the significance of this struggle by dedicating August 26th as National Women’s Equality Day. On this day we are reminded of the progress made and the ongoing challenges we still face. While we honor the suffragist’s efforts, it is important to acknowledge that the ratification of the 19th Amendment did not include the right to vote for people of color. It wouldn’t be until 45 years later, with the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that all adult citizens regardless of race would finally be granted the right to vote.
Today in 2024, one hundred and four years later, the fight for women’s equality is far from over. Women make up a little more than half of the population, yet many of the issues that directly affect us are still being debated and decided by male-dominated legislatures. Issues that affect many of our daily lives like equal pay, reproductive rights, educational opportunities, and access to health care, still require our vigilant attention.
Collective action has shown that when women stand together, we can influence national conversations, hold people accountable and push for positive legislative change. In modern times, the #MeToo movement highlighted the need for stricter anti-harassment policies, while the push for paid family leave underscores the need for workplace policies that prioritize family health and well-being.
On this National Women’s Equality Day, the tireless efforts of the suffragists remind us that the quest for equality requires relentless persistence. Women have always been at the forefront of change and participating in the things that matter to us remains crucial. Voting in every election-local, state, and national-ensures that our voices are heard, and our needs are represented.
As we approach the 2024 Election, let’s honor the legacy of the suffragists by advocating for ourselves and our loved ones. Register to vote, check your registration status, and be prepared to make your voice heard at the polls on November 5th. Our collective action will continue to drive progress toward equality that will, in turn, be passed down to future generations.
As Gloria Steinem, world-renowned feminist, activist, and inaugural Matrix honoree once stated:
“The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.”
Resources:
Check your registration status:
https://www.vote.org/am-i-registered-to-vote/
Register to vote:
https://www.nass.org/can-i-vote/register-to-vote
Pers Voter Guide:
(note: 2024 General Election Candidate information will be published in September 2024)
