With November elections approaching, Chapter FR P.E.O. members learned more about women’s voting rights Monday evening, October 20, at their regular monthly meeting. Ray Bosch, a board member of the Wichita League of Women Voters, was the speaker. He explained that the organization is open to anyone and is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization working to protect and expand voting rights and representation in our democracy.
Women’s Suffrage, the movement for women to gain the right to vote in the United States, begun formally in the mid 1800s after efforts that dated back to the founding of the United States. At first, the right to vote was decided by states, with Wyoming being the first to allow women to vote. In 1912, Kansas, along with Oregon and Arizona, adopted woman suffrage. In 1920, the final vote in favor of ratification of the 19th Amendment was cast allowing women full voting rights. Members were reminded that voting is important and urged to vote in the upcoming elections.
The business meeting with 20 members present was held after the program. Hosts for the evening were Leslie Spillman, Christina Harrison, and Robin Himes. President Connie Mitchell reminded members of the planned social evening of playing Bunco that will be held later in the month. It was decided to donate gift cards to a Cottey College student for the months of February and March. Cottey College is an independent, liberal arts and sciences college in Nevada, Mo. that is partially supported by the P.E.O. International Sisterhood.
