votes-for-women

VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – 100 years ago the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote was ratified. Several events are being planned around the state to commemorate the event.

In Valley City, a reception will be held tonight at VCSU’s Allen Memorial Library for the opening of an exposition showcasing its importance.

The reception will begin at 5:30pm. The movie “One Woman, One Voice” will be shown in the Skoal Room of the Student Center at 7pm. Following the movie a discussion will be led by Kiersten Baughman of the VCSU’s Department of Social Science. Five banners celebrating the Centennial will be on display at both events. The banners and the movie are traveling to different cities across North Dakota throughout the year. These events are free and open to the public.

North Dakota voted to ratify the 19th Amendment giving most women the constitutional right to vote on December 1, 1919. By August of 1920, 36 states (including North Dakota) ratified the amendment, ensuring that across the country, the right to vote could not be denied based on sex.

It should be noted that not all women got the vote in 1920. Indigenous women and Asian women did not have citizenship when the 19th amendment passed. In 1924, Indigenous people were recognized as citizens and in 1952 Asian Americans were recognized as citizens.

The March 10th events in Valley City are being sponsored by the VCSU’s Art Department, Allen Memorial Library and “What in the World Is Going On?” as well as the North Dakota Women’s Network. For more information call 701-845-7321.

Story by Kay Kringlie.