Did you know that Kansans were trailblazers for women’s rights? The 19th Amendment finally recognized a woman’s right to vote in nationwide elections in 1920. But long before that, women could vote in Kansas!
In 1867, Kansas held a referendum on women’s suffrage, or their right to vote. In a referendum, people vote on an issue instead of their representatives. Kansas was the first state to hold a referendum on the topic. Although the referendum failed, it influenced other states to hold their own referendums.
Twenty years later, Kansas recognized a woman’s right to vote in their local elections. Just a few months later, Kansans elected the first woman mayor in US history! Susanna Salter lived in Argonia, Kansas. Her election was a surprise—even to her! Salter’s name appeared on the election ballot even though she didn’t run for office. A group of men who wanted to embarrass Salter put her name on the ballot. In a surprise outcome, two thirds of voters in Argonia cast their ballots for Salter. Even better, she performed her duties as mayor well!
The Women’s Suffrage Movement in Kansas didn’t stop there. Kansas women such as Mamie Dillard and Carrie Langston worked hard to push politicians to support a woman’s right to vote across the nation. They protested in public places. They peacefully communicated their desire to have the same rights as men. Their actions encouraged many others to join in the fight for women’s rights.
Kansas was an early adopter of women’s voting rights. In 1912, the state allowed women to vote in national elections. Eight years later, in 1920, the Women’s Suffrage Movement achieved its goal of making women’s voting rights a reality across the country. The 19th Amendment enshrined in the Constitution a woman’s right to vote in every election.
What Do You Think? How did Kansas lead the way on women’s voting rights?
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