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“In waging this campaign for recognition of what they deem only their just rights, the women of Texas are not putting themselves on the plane of an ordinary legislative lobbyist. They are actuated thoroughly by the sincere belief that what they are seeking is theirs by the law of natural right and justice.”
Minne Fisher Cunningham, president of the Texas Equal Suffrage Association, knew how to inspire the women of Texas to fight for the right to vote. She led the campaign in 1918 to pass the primary suffrage bill, allowing women of Texas to vote in primary elections. Governor Hobby signed the bill on March 26, 1918, but it would not go into effect until 90 days later. This left the women of Texas with just 17 days to register to vote. Under her leadership, Minnie Fish, as she was called, estimated that “three hundred sixty thousand” women were registered in those few days and noted that in a couple places more women had now registered than men had paid their poll tax.
Learn more about the Women’s Suffrage Movement in Texas, and more about Minnie herself at the Sue S. Bancroft Women’s Leadership Hall. Open Tuesday- Friday 10 am - 4 pm and by appointment. Closed July 4.
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