Since the early 1800s, women have been vocal in issues concerning politics.
In1869, there were different organizations such as The National Woman Suffrage Association (NWSA) and The American Women Suffrage Association (AWSA) that fought for a woman’s right to vote.
When the 19th Amendment was passed in 1920, that right was won and they have become even more prolific in the democratic process.
“I feel women have come a long way,” said Randal Carter, a freshmen psychology major from Baton Rouge. “It’s good that women take a stand on voting.”
After the adoption of the 19th Amendment, the League of Women Voters was established. Formed as an outgrowth of the woman suffrage movement in the United States, it is headquartered in Washington, D.C and promotes informed, active public participation in government. It has over 1,300 local groups in the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands and invites both men and women. There is a local chapter in Baton Rouge.
“I see women gaining the right to vote the same way I see blacks getting the right to vote,” said Southern University Student Government Association Chief of Staff Kellee Craig “We need to take it very seriously. I hope every woman will use her right to vote. Hopefully we can start making people see just how important it is to vote. A lot of the issues in the presidential election affect our lives, more people need to realize that.”
Topics that might concern women in this year’s presidential election include health care, insurance and abortion rights. Both President George W. Bush and presidential nominee John Kerry have taken separate stands on the issues.
Having a chapter in the state’s capital, the League of Women Voters of Baton Rouge plays an intricate role in Louisiana politics. Every month, a luncheon is held to introduce women voters to the movers and shakers on the Louisiana political scene. Their Web site, www.lwvbr.org, hosts a plethora of political resources for women voters.
Membership applications are available online or for more information call Jean Armstrong, president of LWVBR at (225) 334-9999.
