A Woman's Right to Vote, Nearly a Century Later

Today is the 91st anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the U.S.  Constitution, giving women the right to vote.

It's a milestone in the Women's Suffrage Movement in the United States and one that still resonates with modern women.

We asked Campbell women of all walks of life to tell us what this day means to them and why the right to vote is important.

Here is what they had to say:

Cynthia Bojorquez, Campbell Recreation Department executive director 

"As the oldest of a family of five daughters, the right to vote in our house equaled six votes—six strong women, six strong voices committed to a world where their voices matter. My dad didn't have any sons. We were definitely brought up to vote."

Jane Kennedy, former Campbell Mayor and longtime resident 

"It is important, because we have a chance to say something. We get to vote and say what we think. It took a long time, and those that didn’t know have no idea how long it actually took. It’s a privilege and something we should all take part of, because that’s what makes our country what it is and what it should be."

Janine Payton, Campbell Rotarian and resident

"I am so thankful for the women who dedicated themselves to fighting for this right and the men who supported them. Being able to have a 'say' in our government is very important and one of the reasons our country fought for freedom from England. (Remember the Boston Tea Party?) Prior to the 19th Amendment, women were really just considered property of their father and then husband. By giving women the right to vote, a statement was made saying that women were independent beings."

Marla Olszewski, spokeswoman

"We represent half of the population, more or less, and to have laws made in a democratic society where half of the population is not allowed to participate is wrong. It goes against the principals of our country and the forming of the constitution."

Mairead O'Keefe, Campbell resident

"Equality of each person is a fundamental human right.  The passage of the 19th Amendment was a long, hard-fought battle for gender equality. When women were finally guaranteed the right to vote, we acknowledged that our representative democracy only thrives when it truly represents all the members of society. Inherent in women’s suffrage is the recognition that women are equal members of society and free to choose their own educational, financial and career paths."