6:00: Morning News

Anniversary of ratification of 19th Amendment marked at State Capitol

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — It’s difficult for many people to believe today, but there was a time in the United States when women were seen as incapable of making informed decisions in the election process.

It was 1920 when that changed with the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, guaranteeing white women the right to vote.

“We, as women, were not given the opportunity to have a full voice in the beginning of this country and, now that we have a voice, we need to make sure that we exercise our right,” said Julie Palas, interim executive director for the West Virginia Women’s Commission.

“We need to make sure that people all across the country are remembering how hard we fought to get this right and responsibility to vote.”

Certification of the amendment’s ratification from U.S. Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby came on Aug. 26, 1920.

On Friday, the West Virginia Women’s Commission hosted a noontime Women’s Equality Day event at the State Capitol to mark the 96th anniversary of the 19th Amendment.

Governor Earl Ray Tomblin issued a proclamation for the anniversary occasion.

“We come together today to honor the efforts of the many women and men who gave so much so that women have the right to vote,” Palas said at the State Capitol event.

“We celebrate the power of women and how important we are to a strong democracy.”

Women play crucial roles in the democratic process, Palas said.

In the Nov. 8 general election, for the first time, a woman is a major political party presidential candidate with the nomination of Democrat Hillary Clinton.

“Because a woman is running, it even shows us why it’s important for us not to lay back and not use our vote this year,” Palas said. “No matter how we vote, who we’re voting for, it’s important that our voice — as women — is heard.”





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