19th Amendment Centennial

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The 19th Amendment | Court Leaders Sound Off

The centennial anniversary of women’s suffrage is August 18, the same day Florida voters head to the polls for a primary election. In light of these events occurring simultaneously, and because the courts were vital in advancing the issues of the women’s suffrage movement, we thought we’d take a closer look at what the passing of the 19th Amendment a century ago means to Twelfth Judicial Circuit court leaders today.

“The 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment provides an opportunity to reflect on how far and how quickly we have come as a democracy. Although 100 years is a truly astonishing amount of time, put in context, it is but the blink of an eye. In that historically brief period of time, women threw off centuries of laws and traditions that frequently relegated them to the legal status of a commodity. It’s truly astonishing to think that, just a few moments ago, we would not have held elected office, voted for our elected officials, or had a voice in choosing our personal and career paths. Our ancestors paved that road from there to here, a road fraught with heartache, seemingly impossible obstacles, and more than a few setbacks. To honor those who fought so hard for our right to be heard as independent citizens, we must never forget that a right unexercised is no different than never having that right. I encourage everyone to honor the suffragists in this centennial year by making their own voice heard. Please vote.”

 
Bonner

Kimberly C. BonnerChief Judge

“Innovative American women including Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton led the fight for women in America to finally join men in the voting booth to determine the future of our country. Their success in passing the 19th Amendment in 1920 changed the role of American women drastically. Due to their perseverance, women now have better education, better jobs and a brighter future. The opportunities that are available to women should not be taken for granted. I was elected to the bench in August 2010 and it is my honor and privilege to have the opportunity to serve my hometown as a jurist. Each day, I strive to uphold the ideals of great American women who forged the path before me. The passage of the 19th Amendment opened many doors for all of us and we should be grateful in remembering their sacrifice.”

 
Uzabel

Maryann Olson UzabelSarasota County Judge

“On the 100th anniversary of Congress passing the 19th Amendment, it is the perfect time to reflect on equality and to seek out ways to make life better for those around us. Promoting equality ensures that every individual has an equal opportunity to best use his or her talents and make the most out of life. ‘Equality is the soul of liberty; there is, in fact, no liberty without it.’ – FRANCES WRIGHT”

 
Moss

Dana MossSarasota County Judge

“Those amazing women paved the way for boundless talent, ideas, and female leadership. I am personally grateful for the opportunities I’ve had, knowing that one hundred years ago they weren’t possible.”

 
Miller

Kim MillerTwelfth Judicial Circuit Trial Court Administrator

"The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex."

66th Congress of the United States of America Joint Resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution extending the right of suffrage to women
Suffragettes fought for a woman's right to vote
Suffragettes, c. 1913, courtesy Getty Images