Policy Resolution LJE-17-06

WHEREAS, 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of most United States women achieving the right to vote through the 19th amendment to the Constitution;

WHEREAS, women worked tirelessly for this equal right since the founding of the country, in some cases even sacrificing their lives and health;

WHEREAS, women from all over the United States, right in their own communities, were instrumental in achieving women’s suffrage through action and advocacy;

WHEREAS, every state had outstanding women who were important in achieving final victory;

WHEREAS, in the past 100 years, Native American, African American, Asian and other women of color, finally achieved full voting rights;

WHEREAS, women voters have been a major influence on United States politics and life, exercising their voting rights to achieve justice, equal rights, and good government;

WHEREAS, women hold nearly 20 percent of the seats in the U.S. congress, 24 percent of the seats in the state’s legislatures and nearly 25 percent of statewide elected executive office;

WHEREAS, since 1980, women have consistently outnumbered men among registered voters;

WHEREAS, in recent years, the number of women turning out for elections has equaled or exceeded voter turnout rates for men;

WHEREAS, the number of female voters has exceeded the number of male voters in every presidential election since 1964;

WHEREAS, the ratification of the 19th amendment was one of the turning points in American history and should be recognized as one of the great human rights victories of our country and world; and

WHEREAS, the 1920 victory was and continues to be a beacon to other countries around the world showing that United States values women, their rights, and their contributions.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Black Caucus State Legislators (NBCSL) urges that the federal government establish a formal recognition committee or commission to commemorate and celebrate the 19th amendment and women’s voting rights;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, NBCSL believes that this committee or commission should have, among its various responsibilities, the duty to recognize this great achievement by identifying and appropriately honoring state suffragists and the places and events within the states where women organized for change and equal rights;

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States; the Vice President of the United States, members of the United States House of Representatives and United States Senate; and other federal and state government officials as appropriate.

• SPONSOR: Representative Brenda Gilmore (TN)
• Committee of Jurisdiction: Law, Justice, and Ethics Policy Committee
• Certified by Committee Co-Chair: Representative Reginald Meeks (KY)
• Ratified in Plenary Session: Ratification Date is December 3, 2016
• Ratification is certified by: Senator Catherine Pugh (MD), President