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Fayette Democratic Women celebrate right to vote

This Thursday, Aug. 26, marks the 84th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment to the Constitution, guaranteeing American women the right to vote. This achievement was made after a long and difficult struggle over decades of agitation and protest. Many woman suffrage supporters lectured, wrote, marched, lobbied, and practiced civil disobedience to achieve what many Americans considered a radical change of the Constitution.

The amendment, which took 42 years to finally ratify, was the result of a variety of tactics via state legislation and court challenges.ÊSuffragists even used tactics such as parades, silent vigils, and hunger strikes. They often met fierce resistance and were heckled, jailed, and physically abused.

Finally, after President Woodrow Wilson changed his position to support an amendment in 1918, the political balance began to shift in favor of the vote for women. Ratification was finally certified Aug. 26, 1920, and the face of the American electorate changed forever.

“Women in 2004 have come a long way from the time of the suffragists,” said Heidi Becker, president of the Fayette Democratic Women. “We should never forget how hard these courageous women had to fight to give us the right to vote and participate in our country’s electoral process. We cannot forget their sacrifice nor should we ever become complacent and take our voting rights for granted.”

The Fayette Democratic Women will celebrate the 84th anniversary of the 19th amendment with a celebration Thursday at 7 p.m. at Loco’s Deli & Pub (located near Kroger/Towne Center shopping center) in Fayetteville.ÊAll women and men interested in Democratic politics are invited to attend.