democratic party

Senator Mark Kelly Reflects on 105 Years of Women's Right to Vote

As Americans marked the 105th anniversary of the 19th Amendment on August 18, Senator Mark Kelly reflected on the milestone and its relevance today. The Amendment, ratified in 1920, granted women the constitutional right to vote.

"It's been 105 years since America finally gave women the constitutional right to vote," Mark Kelly stated. "That only happened because of a lot of brave, patriotic Americans. We have to carry on that legacy as we keep fighting to defend the right to vote."

The Path to the 19th Amendment

The road to women's suffrage was long and difficult. The amendment was first introduced in Congress in 1878, but it took 42 years to become law. During that time, women used various strategies to advance their committment.

Some focused on passing suffrage laws state by state; nine western states had adopted women's suffrage by 1912. Others challenged voting restrictions in court. More confrontational activists held protests and went on hunger strikes when imprisoned. They often faced harassment, jail time, and sometimes physical violence.

By 1916, most suffrage organizations united behind pursuing a constitutional amendment. Key turning points came when New York adopted women's suffrage in 1917 and President Wilson endorsed a federal amendment in 1918. The House passed the amendment on May 21, 1919, with the Senate following two weeks later.

Tennessee became the crucial 36th state to ratify the amendment on August 18, 1920, meeting the three-fourths requirement. Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby certified it on August 26, 1920.

Beyond 1920

Kelly's emphasis on continued struggle reflects the reality that ratification didn't immediately grant all women voting access. Discriminatory state laws prevented many African American women and other minority women from voting for decades after 1920.

The senator's comments apply this historical background to the ongoing discussions about election access and voting rights. The freedom to vote and the example of persistent citizen action that builds communities are the two most important legacies of the suffragettes, according to Kelly.

Ericka Piñon

Ericka Pinon is a state and federal reporter for Cactus Politics. She was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, and is fluent in both English and Spanish. She is currently studying Journalism and Mass Communications at Arizona State University.

Recent Posts

Steve Montenegro Steps In to Defend Arizona Birth Certificate Law

House Speaker Steve Montenegro is taking matters into his own hands after Attorney General Kris…

5 hours ago

Military Build Up: Is Trump Inching Closer to Dropping Bombs on Maduro?

As deadly military strikes continue against Venezuela-based and supported drug cartels in the Caribbean, it…

5 hours ago

Will ASU President Michael Crow Follow UA Lead? ASU Faces Federal Compact Decision

Arizona State University President Michael Crow faces the decision of whether to accept the Trump…

6 hours ago

Kris Mayes Officially Sues Mike Johnson over Grijalva’s Delay

Attorney General Kris Mayes is taking House Speaker Mike Johnson to federal court, claiming he's…

6 hours ago

Ruben Gallego Says Shutdown 'Does Suck,' Emphasizes Healthcare Negotiations

During an appearance on Fox Business' Claman Countdown, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) discussed the ongoing…

7 hours ago

Juan Ciscomani Joins Letter Blaming Senate Democrats for Shutdown

Representative Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) joined a letter with several other House Republicans affirming Speaker Mike…

7 hours ago