For well over a century women have fought for the rights to civic engagement. Suffragettes including Carrie Chapman Catt, Pi Beta Phi, and other sorority members worked tirelessly to ensure in 1920 the ratification and signing into law of the 19th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution giving women the right to vote.
For contemporary women, it’s hard to imagine our society without the right to vote. In fact, it wasn’t until 1971 that the legal age to vote was changed from 21 to 18. As we prepare to exercise our right to vote in the upcoming general election, we are reminded of our civic responsibility, duty and privilege as American citizens.
Women will constitute half of the total voting population in this year’s election. The collective power of the female voice and vote can and will affect outcomes in our communities, new laws and who will lead our country. Women’s voices must be heard!
The National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) supports and encourages not only our members but all women to pursue economic, social and political equity, along with leadership and civic engagement. Learn more about a nationwide women’s equality initiative, Vision 2020, which is elevating the conversation and providing education for women to make a significant difference. NPC endorses the Vision 2020 mission as an allied organization, including its hosting of Women 100, the national centennial commemoration of the 19th Amendment.
Exercise your constitutional right and help ensure that women’s voices are heard by casting your vote in November. Maybe you have not taken the time to register to vote … it’s not too late! Find out just how easy it is to register to vote online. Or maybe you think one vote doesn’t make a difference. Every vote does make a difference, including yours. So make the Panhellenic women who went before us proud, and use your voice.
Interfraternally,
Donna C. King
Chairman 2015-17