I am very excited to be part of this historical period in the US History. The prospect of having a woman as president in 2020 at the Centennial of women securing the right to vote is auspicious.
In 1970, when I was a freshman in college, I helped petition for signatures so the 18 year old right to vote would be placed on a referendum. The logic was that an 18 year old could marry, pay taxes, enlist in the Armed Services, drive, and sign a contract…so why not be allowed to vote? I stood outside a supermarket asking for signatures, was called a Communist, weirdo, and generally talked down to. But nationally, we collected enough signatures and the 26th Amendment of the US Constitution was passed. This meant that in the 1972 general election millions young people between the ages of 18-20 year could vote. I was among them.
Now when I hear young women who are between 18-21 years say they are going to vote, I feel a sense of pride that I helped that happen so many years ago. From 1920 through the present the baton has been passed along and US women should raise their voices in victory! God Bless America.