Deseret News archives: After significant groundwork, women’s suffrage became law in 1920

A look back at local, national and world events through Deseret News archives.

On Aug. 18, 1920, the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, guaranteeing American women’s right to vote, was ratified as Tennessee became the 36th state to approve it.

Eight days later, on Aug. 26, 1920, the 19th Amendment was formally adopted into the U.S. Constitution.

The 39-word amendment reads:

The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

Women in Utah and the West had already secured that right. As early as 1870, even before Utah was recognized as a state, women in Utah participated in elections. In fact, Utah and Wyoming were the first states to officially recognize that right by law.

It took many more years for enough states to ratify the proposed legislation, with Tennessee the needed 36th state.

Some influential women who worked tirelessly to secure that right — Seraph Young, Emily Richards, Emmeline B. Wells, Martha Hughes Cannon and Wyoming’s Louisa Swain — joined with national leaders such as Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton in the fight for equality.

Here is a collection of articles — many in the form of essays and editorials — from Deseret News archives about the history of women’s suffrage in the United State and the precious right we all have to vote:

“ In our opinion: Value the vote. That’s what Utah’s pioneering women would have you do ”

“ A century later, the impact of the 19th Amendment continues to influence ‘firsts’ ”

“ In our opinion: Celebrating Western suffrage efforts is good, but it’s not enough ”

“ Women’s History Month: Latter-day Saint women pioneered efforts in voting rights ”

“ Guest opinion: Give the 19th century Western suffrage movement the recognition it deserves ”

“ A look back at women winning the vote, in Utah and across the nation ”

“ In our opinion: A mother, her son and the monumental achievement of women’s suffrage ”

“ Martha goes to Washington! ”

“ Emmeline B. Wells’ diaries open window into life of a Latter-day Saint leader and suffragist ”