Today in 1911: A Timeline of California’s Suffrage Vote

Today in 1911: A Timeline of California’s Suffrage Vote




4 AM: After fifteen years of trying to get a woman suffrage amendment on the ballot again, then months of hard campaigning up and down the State after the legislature agreed to put it there, the big day is finally here! All local suffragists are present and accounted for at Los Angeles suffrage headquarters, ready to make good on their pledges to work all through Election Day. The current campaign for woman suffrage in California ends when the polls close at 6 p.m. in what is hoped will be the State’s final “men-only” election.

Suffrage workers are now adjusting their sashes and buttons, and picking up literature to give out to voters when they take up their posts as near the polling places as legally permitted. Others have voter registration lists to assure that only legal votes are cast. “Votes for Women” pennants are now being attached to automobiles that will carry voters to the polls to assure a maximum turnout.

The final mass meeting of the campaign was held last night in Blanchard Hall, although it really only started there. The overflow crowd soon spilled into the streets, and finally reached City Hall, where the cheering suffragists were made welcome by Mayor George Alexander himself. The speech-making and applause went on for three hours at both locations and was just what weary suffrage workers needed as reassurance that their hard work was appreciated, and optimism justified.
6 AM: The polls have just opened, and all members of the Political Equality League’s Executive Board are now present at headquarters, and will stay for the next 12 hours to deal with whatever situations come up between now and the closing of the polls. Their legal advisers and most experienced campaign workers are also here, ready to go to any polling place at a moment’s notice. The “Votes for Women Club” will also contribute 100 workers to the 1,000 others doing similar duty. No anti-suffrage advocates will be promoting their cause near the polls today, according to an announcement they have issued.

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