BOISE, Idaho — August 18 marks an important anniversary in the United States, 100 years since women got the right to vote. The 19th Amendment was ratified on August 18, 1920.
By 1920, women in Idaho had been able to vote. A state constitutional amendment was added 24 years before the 19th Amendment passed. On February 11, 1920, Governor D.W. Davis called a special session instructing Idaho lawmakers no other legislation should be considered that day other than ratification.
The House of Representatives and Senate approved the amendment in 1919, sending it to the states for ratification. Three-fourths of states had to ratify the amendment and Tennessee was the last one to do so.
"We are celebrating the ratification of this amendment today because of Tennessee's actions, but I think it's important to remember that 35 states came before Tennessee in that ratification," said HannaLore Hein, a State Historian with the Idaho State Historical Society. "Idaho was actually the 30th. We ratified that amendment on February 11, 1920."
The Idaho State Archives has a temporary exhibit up now featuring Idaho women writers, poets and artists as part of the commemoration and celebration of Idaho Women 100. The Envisioning Idaho: Women Writers, Poets and Artists exhibit features content about women that made contributions to Idaho's history.
"This exhibit is part of the agency's efforts to commemorate 'Idaho Women 100,' which is a year-long celebration where we're looking at the important women in Idaho's past, but also recognizing that we have incredible women leaders today," said Hein.
You can check out the exhibit at the Idaho State Archives until October 3, 2020. The archives building is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
