The cover of the October 1920 issue of McCall’s magazine featured photographs of Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucy Stone and seven other courageous suffragists, dubbed “Dangerous Women” by the magazine’s headline.

The 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution, giving women the right to vote in federal elections, had been ratified, becoming the law of the land in August of the same year.

Aug. 26 is Women’s Equality Day, which marks the 88th anniversary of the day that the U.S. Constitution was amended to grant women full voting rights.

The League of Women Voters, an outgrowth of the women’s suffrage movement, was founded by Carrie Chapman Catt in 1920, just six months before the ratification of the 19th amendment.

The League of Women Voters, which does not endorse any candidate or political party, is a nonpartisan organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

Originally only women could join the League, but the organization modified its charter in 1973 to welcome men as members.

Membership in the League is open to all U.S. citizens 18 years or older.

With more than 88 years of experience, 850 local and state affiliates and 150,000 members, the League is one of America’s most trusted grassroots political organizations.

“Though the right to vote was hard won, many women as well as men don’t vote because they don’t feel educated on the candidates or the issues,” said Kat Alikhan, president of the League of Women Voters of Dawson and Pickens counties. 

“It is crucial that we continue to engage more citizens, female and male, in the democratic process by providing the opportunities to become informed and engaged in the process of government. That is what the League of Women Voters is about,” she added.

For information about the League of Women Voters of Dawson and Pickens counties, call Kat Alikhan at (706) 268-1225 or visit www.dawsonpickenslwv.org.