2019-1668 Resolution No. 2019-1668
A resolution commemorating the 100th anniversary of Wisconsin
ratifying the 19th Amendment.
WHEREAS, on June 10, 1919, the State of Wisconsin led the nation as the first state to ratify
the 19th Amendment, allowing women the right to vote; and
WHEREAS, Wisconsin women fought for the right to vote for more than a century before it was
granted, and persevered in the face of resistance; and
WHEREAS, the fight for women's suffrage, from the first women's rights convention to
enfranchisement, lasted 72 years, with women from all walks of life, political views, and
demographic backgrounds asking for the right to voice their opinions at the polls; and
WHEREAS, Wisconsin women by the thousands advocated for the right to vote on the streets,
in newspapers, and in the state and federal capitols; and
WHEREAS, Wisconsin-born Carrie Chapman Catt led the national movement meeting with
President Woodrow Wilson to secure his support for suffrage in light of women's contributions
during World War I; and
WHEREAS, Other Wisconsin women, like former First Lady Belle Case LaFollette and
Reverend Olympia Brown, garnered national attention for their suffrage efforts as well; and
WHEREAS, it took male allies to support women in their endeavor to vote, for it was sons,
husbands, and fathers who ultimately heard the calls of women and took the historic vote on
June 10, 1919; and
WHEREAS, daughters, granddaughters, and great-granddaughters of the women who fought
so hard to vote have been making their voices hear at the polls for 100 years; and
WHEREAS, most of the women who began fighting for the right to vote never lived to see the
enfranchisement of women; and
WHEREAS, today, women are running for office in unprecedented numbers, with many current
politicians, both male and female, remembering that they follow in the footsteps of these great
suffragists; and
WHEREAS, the Women's Fund, in partnership with the Janesville League of Women Voters, is
celebrating this historic victory in a special event titled "100 Years: Votes for Women! March for
Progress and 'A Living Story- taking place this evening; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City of Janesville Common Council that June
10, 2019 commemorate the 100th anniversary of Wisconsin ratifying the 19th Amendment,
reaffirming the City's commitment to empowering and uplifting the voices of women within the
community.
ADOPTED: June 10, 2019 Motion by: Conley
Second by: Marklein
APPROVED: Councilmember Aye Nay Pass Absent
/ cam Benson&IX
X
Conley
Mark A. F eitag, City Manager Farrell X
Gruber X
ATTE : Marklein X
,� Williams X
-L���/ Wolfe X
David T. Godek, City Clerk-Treasurer
APPROVED� AS TO FORM:
ih
Wald Klimczy , ity Attorney
Proposed by: CCMs Conley and Marklein
Prepared by: City Manager's Office