Casting a Historic Vote: Suffrage for Women in Illinois

Prior to 1920, women were denied the vote in the majority of elections in the United States. The struggle for enfranchisement began with the birth of our nation and was strategized differently in our local, state, and federal elections. Despite what people today believe to be a straightforward goal, the path to women’s suffrage was infused with sexism and racism and triggered a fear of feminism whose roots are still seen today.

While wealthy women advocates played a vital role in the suffrage movement, they were not the only ones seeking enfranchisement. From attorney Ellen Martin, the first woman to vote in Illinois, to Ida B. Wells, a woman who did not let racism silence her voice, women’s suffrage has been a battle hard fought by a diverse group of activists in Illinois.

This event is Free and Open to the public. For more information, please contact Pam Rohleder at prohleder@bartlettil.gov.

VILLAGE OF BARTLETT COVID-19 POLICY

As of this application date, January 13, 2023, masks are not required, but welcomed. Free masks will be available that evening, for those who chose to wear one.

Learn more about Jeanne Schultz Angel, this program, and how to book it.