The 19 th Amendment became law on August 26, 1920. For many women, this amendment proved to be only the beginning of the “battle” to give all women the right to vote. There wasn’t anything in the amendment that should have kept any woman from voting. However, women of color were expected to take tests that were impossible to pass, therefore, guaranteeing that a large portion of Black women couldn’t qualify to vote.
Many activists have advocated for universal suffrage; that is, for giving everyone the right to vote in political elections. Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Alice Paul, Ida B. Wells, and Sojourner Truth are among those recognized for their ongoing participation in the struggle for women’s rights. Even today, the ability to easily vote in political elections remains a challenge.
Whether we study Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s struggle for women’s rights or learn about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s passion to champion universal human rights, we must remain active and engaged citizens who volunteer, use our voices, and always vote.
Read The Ballot Box Battle by Emily Arnold McCully.
To Think About:
- The Ballot Box Battle, a story set in 1880, focused on women’s right to vote. The hard-fought “battle” for women’s suffrage continued for many years to come. To this day, however, millions of registered voters do not take the time to vote. The date shows that between 35 and 60% of eligible voters do not cast a ballot. This information is a call to action for each of us.
Local Government Card:
In Philadelphia, County Election Boards called City Commissioners, make sure our elections are fair and secure. Their goal is to have all eligible voters register and vote. How do you think you could help with the effort to get everyone to register and to vote? Think about sharing your good ideas with our City Commissioners.
- Elizabeth Cady Stanton was a scholar, an author, a mother of 7 children, and a staunch advocate for the vote, equal rights in education, employment, and government. She was described as the finest speaker on behalf of the women’s movement. She wrote petitions and articles to keep the idea of women’s suffrage before the public for 50 years. She always embraced the notion of peaceful protest. Thinking of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, what words would you use to describe her leadership skills?
- What words would you use to describe your leadership skills?
- For what would you choose to advocate for in today’s world?
- What method would you choose to use to get your message out?
