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Women’s Suffrage in Oklahoma

The United States of America is unique in so many ways. One of the main features shaping American identity is democracy. Democracy is at the heart of the United States narrative, and voting is an important part of that story. Those in the United States who are 18 years or older and are legal citizens have the right to vote in local and national elections. Voting is important because it allows each individual to have their voice heard about decisions made by the government that affect politics, the economy, education, and many other parts of society. The right to vote is a defining feature of what makes the United States a democracy.

Although most citizens can enjoy the right to vote today, there was a time in this nation’s history when that was not the case. The federal government did not grant women the right to vote until the year 1920 with the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment.

Suffrage is a word meaning the right to vote in elections. So, when someone is not given the right to vote, they do not have suffrage. This exhibit discusses the road to suffrage for women in Oklahoma. The people of Oklahoma are representative of many others across the country, some fighting for women’s suffrage and some against. Suffrage was controversial and brought to light a number of questions for the state and for the country. Explore this fascinating part of Oklahoma history that captures the how the state helped expand democracy!

A blue bird with the text Votes for Women Nov. 2 on its yellow belly and tail

A suffrage cartoon (image courtesy of the Smithsonian).1

A poster proclaiming: A woman living hear has registered to vote, thereby assuming responsibility of citizenship

A suffrage poster (image courtesy of the Smithsonian).3

Numerous women on a wagon with a large sign reading: woman's cause is man's. They rise or fall together.

Women on a wagon for a suffrage parade (image courtesy of the Library of Congress).2