Can you imagine being an American teenager before 1920 and knowing that your own mother was not allowed by law to vote – but your father was?
Unfortunately, this was the reality before the passage of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution in 1920.
For 72 years, women fought hard to give women the right to vote. Their commitment culminated in the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which introduced universal suffrage.
With their newly acquired right to vote, women became aware of the importance of registering as women, informing them about current issues, and encouraging them to become politically active, including by running for political office.
Among the organizations formed to fulfill this important task and encourage women to participate in democracy was the nonpartisan League of Women Voters (LWV).
More: Are you registered to vote in the 2024 Illinois general election? What you should know
More than 100 years later, the core objective of the LWV is still the same. The founding principle of non-partisanship, meaning never supporting or opposing a candidate or political party, is still an inviolable part of its constitution.
Although the 19th Amendment guaranteed universal suffrage, not all citizens had access to the ballot. Although women of color worked alongside other suffrage leaders, it was not until the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that all citizens were able to vote without intimidation, state discrimination laws, poll taxes, and literacy tests.
Today, the LWV continues to work to ensure that this remains enshrined in law. This also includes providing all eligible voters with the electoral information they need to cast their vote.
But what about the lack of diversity among candidates for elected office that our foremothers faced?
In 1920 and for much of the 20th century, white men were the only viable candidates for political office. But with the passage of the 19th Amendment, the face of the electorate and, with it, the face of politics changed.
According to the LWV of the USA, “Women’s voices in our elections hold enormous power. Going to the polls is an unmissable opportunity to exert our influence and vote on the issues that affect us. Reproductive rights, jobs, health care, education – politicians cannot afford to ignore women’s voices on these issues.”
And who do women think best understands the issues that affect women? The numbers speak for themselves.
Today, 25% of U.S. Senators and 28% of the U.S. House of Representatives are women, representing 106 Democrats, 43 Republicans and one Independent, a record number of states, and 12 female elected governors.
For the second time in our history, a woman is running for President of the United States.
Vice President Kamala Harris was the second woman, the first Black woman, and the first South Asian American to be nominated as a major party presidential candidate. These female political leaders are inspiring the next generation of girls and young women to become civically engaged on issues that affect them, their families, and their communities.
According to U.S. Census figures, women voted in overwhelming numbers in 2022.
LWVUS used data from the US Census to create a snapshot of women’s voting behavior. One thing became clear: the next election is in women’s hands.
The League will continue to work to register and educate voters, inform them of, protect and expand their right to vote, and inspire voters to participate in democracy – as voters and as candidates.
To inspire the citizens of Winnebago and Boone County to participate and cast their vote in the November 5 general election, LWVGR is offering a series of panel discussions this fall while providing opportunities to meet the local candidates.
This and other information can be found on the league’s website lwvgr.org and the League of WomenVoters of Greater Rockford Illinois Facebook page.
Additionally, you can find information about your ballot and candidates for public office, check your registration, and learn about voting options on the nonpartisan website IllinoisVoterGuide.org.
LWVGR encourages everyone to use their voice and vote for the candidates of their choice in the November 5 election. Your vote is your vote. Please use it.
Sue Theden is president of the League of Women Voters of Greater Rockford. Theden’s column is submitted on behalf of the LWVGR board of directors: President Sue Theden, Vice President Jennifer Blaisdell, Secretary Valerie Hanserd, Treasurer Chris Hiltrop, Election Services Chair Carol Bailey, Communications Chair Joan Sage, Membership Chair Teresa Hill, and members Paulette Gilbert and Patty Stadelman.
