BLOOMINGTON – The Bloomington Commission on the Status of Women, in collaboration with the League of Women Voters – Bloomington/Monroe County, is observing Women’s Equality Day by sharing essential voting information to encourage women’s participation in upcoming elections.
Women’s Equality Day honors the suffragettes and advocates who fought for the U.S. government to recognize women’s right to vote. Congress designated Women’s Equality Day in 197, which has been celebrated ever since. Each year, the holiday is observed on August 26. This date was chosen because, on August 26, 1920, Congress adopted the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, recognizing women’s right to vote and making it illegal to discriminate or deny the right to vote based on sex. The 19th Amendment, a landmark achievement in the women’s rights movement, was the culmination of a civil rights movement by women that began formally in 1848 at the world’s first women’s rights convention, held in Seneca Falls, New York.
“Voting continues to be a fundamental right for women, with a massive impact on our leadership,” says Debora Shaw, Spokesperson for the League of Women Voters of Bloomington-Monroe County. “Heading to the polls is an unmissable opportunity to wield our influence and vote on the issues that impact us, our families, and the country at large. However, you identify, we, as a Bloomington community, need to ensure we each have a voice in our government. Now’s the time to do the one thing that ensures we are all being heard!”
Residents can prepare for the 2024 general election by:
- Checking voter registration status at https://indianavoters.in.gov
- Registering to vote by Oct. 7
- Finding their polling place
- Applying for an absentee ballot by Oct. 24
- Reviewing candidates’ positions on https://VOTE411.org
- Voting early at Election Operation (302 N. Walnut) starting Oct. 7 or at the polls on Election Day, Nov. 5
For more information on local organizations supporting women’s voting rights, visit the Bloomington Commission on the Status of Women website or the League of Women Voters—Bloomington/Monroe County website.
