Tennessee decision opens way for votes for American women

Washington D.C., 21 August 1920 - American citizens will go to the polls to choose a new president later this year and, for the first time ever, millions of women will be among those casting their vote.

The 19th amendment to the American constitution provides that ‘the right of citizens to vote shall not be denied or abridged on account of sex’. The amendment was adopted by Congress last year but could only become effective once it has been ratified by 36 of the 48 states. The decision of the legislature of the State of Tennessee to ratify the amendment this week means that the requisite number of states has now been reached.

The effect of the Tennessee decision will transform American democracy as every woman over the age of 21 years will now be entitled to vote in presidential, congressional and local elections, but also in local elections within every state.

Approximately 9.5 million additional voters have now been added to the voting register and speculation has already begun as to what it might mean for the forthcoming election and how it might shape discussions around issues like the cost of living and the League of Nations.

Maria Lee tells the story of Tennessee’s role in giving 27 million women the right to vote (Via: Tennessee State Museum)

[Editor's note: This is an article from Century Ireland, a fortnightly online newspaper, written from the perspective of a journalist 100 years ago, based on news reports of the time.]