LOWV Weighs In On Centennial Of 19th Amendment Ratification

ORLAND PARK, IL — A message from the League of Women Voters: In 2019, we have 65 women in the Illinois General Assembly, 110 women in the U. S. Congress and 74 in statewide elective executive posts. In addition, many women are serving in local governments in our south suburban region as mayors, city council members, and in other positions.

This historic number of women in government didn’t happen overnight. This representation is possible through the hard work, diligence and dedication of many advocates.

Illinois has long stood for women. On June 10, 1919, Illinois became the first state in the U. S. to ratify the 19th Amendment to the Constitution which gave women the right to vote. Illinois has always stood at the forefront of women’s rights, being the first state to have a statewide Suffrage organization; the Illinois Woman Suffrage Association was established in 1869. And in 1913, Illinois enacted the Presidential Suffrage Bill which gave Illinois women the right to vote in federal municipal elections.

Today, we celebrate the work of the women and men of Illinois who continue to help us raise the voices and the rights of women in Illinois.

Elaine Savage, President

League of Women Voters of the Palos Orland Area
The League of Women Voters of Illinois was founded in Chicago on February 114, 1920.