100 years ago, the U.S. House voted on passage of the 19th Amendment. Passage and ratification of the 19th Amendment meant that women across America would have the right to vote and make their voices heard on key policy development over the next hundred years.
After Congress passed the 19th Amendment in 1919, but before it was ratified in August of 1920, the same suffragists—who had fought for nearly a century to gain the right to vote for women—formed the League of Women Voters (LWV).
2020 is not only the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, it is also the 100th anniversary of the League of Women Voters. For that reason, the League has a keen interest in seeing the 19th Amendment honored with a coin, featuring women who have been influencers in our great country.
This legislation is a bipartisan measure to honor women in every state across the country by proposing a series of quarters, beginning in 2021, that would feature a 19th Amendment icon on one side. On the other side, a noteworthy woman, now deceased, would be highlighted. Each state and all U.S. territories would select one of its outstanding women to be honored in this series.
The legislation is sponsored by Representatives Barbara Lee (CA-13) and Anthony Gonzalez (OH-16). This proposed program parallels the State Quarters Program that was so well received two decades ago and the current National Parks Quarters Program. For our young children and teens, this is an effective, exciting way to acquaint them with the 19th Amendment and more than 50 famous women who have made vital contributions to our country.
Thank you for your support to move this partisan-neutral legislation forward. Together we can honor the women who fought so hard to ensure the right to vote and celebrate the work that others continue to do increase the inclusion of women and or improve the quality of life for women in states across the country.
