This year marks the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage when we changed the constitution to give women the right to vote. As a girl, I can’t tell you how grateful I am for everyone, both women and men, who worked tirelessly to make sure that all Americans had the right to vote regardless of the fact that they were a man or a woman.

I am especially thankful, however, for the suffragettes who spoke out and protested to make sure that the issue of voting rights for women was finally considered. Many even went to jail where they went on hunger strikes to bring attention to their cause. Most people don’t know that it was the suffragettes that first started protest across from the White House in Washington D.C. Because of their sacrifice, when I turn eighteen, I can vote and exercise my rights as a United States Citizen.

Because of this, I think it’s very important that when an election is happening, everyone who can needs to vote. If we don’t exercise our right to vote, someday it can be taken away from us regardless if we are men or women.

So this November please vote. People have sacrificed much so you have that right. Don’t take it for granted.

Sincerely,

Madeleine Pope

Loyal, Oklahoma