For Immediate Release
August 18, 2020

Media Contact:
Angela Allmond, Communications Director
Oklahoma Democratic Party
405-536-2412

Interview Contacts:

Alicia Andrews, Chair
alicia@okdemocrats.org
918-951-6344

Scott J. Hamilton, Executive Director
scott@okdemocrats.org
718-216-9200

Oklahoma Democratic Party Chair Reflects on 19th Amendment Anniversary

OKLAHOMA CITY – On the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment’s ratification, the Oklahoma Democratic Party chair, Alicia Andrews, reflects on today’s historic milestone:

“Today, we celebrate an important and historic milestone. A century ago, women marched on the streets of Washington, D.C., demanding democracy and the right to have their voices heard. Through decades of perseverance, women won the right to vote when the 19th Amendment was ratified on August 18th, 1920. We commemorate this day that impacted future changes to voting laws and the progress our country has made,” stated Andrews.

“Just like today, those who fought for voting rights faced similar challenges of voter suppression during a global pandemic. We have made progress these past 100 years, but there is still much to be done. Let us remember that people of color were extricated from democracy,” continues Andrews. “The amendment’s language emphasized that the right to vote was not to be denied based on sex, but many women of color were disenfranchised based on discriminatory Jim Crow laws. Poll taxes and literacy tests targeting people of color were implemented at polling stations. Native Americans were outright banned from voting until The Snyder Act of 1924.”

“As we celebrate on this day and reflect on those who dedicated their lives to the fight for equality, we must remain vigilant as voting rights continue to be sabotaged. Trump and Republicans continue their assault on women’s health, economic security, and equal rights. We must use the power of our voice to influence change, and there is no better way to impact that change than at the ballot box this November.”

“The Oklahoma Democratic Party encourages all eligible voters to celebrate today’s historic milestone by registering to vote or helping eligible voters register to vote and sign up to vote by mail. We all must do our part to protect this constitutional right and help our fellow citizens,” concluded Andrews.

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For more information about the Oklahoma Democratic Party, visit the party website at okdemocrats.org, or call party headquarters at 405-427-3366.