Tompkins County proclaims centennial of the 19th Amendment; League of Women Voters highlights continuing work

The Tompkins County Legislature read and adopted a proclamation Aug. 18 recognizing the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment's ratification and declaring the county's commitment to protect voting rights.

"Now, therefore, I, Leslyn McBean Clairborne, chair of the Tompkins County legislature in behalf of all of our legislatures, do hereby proclaim that the Tompkins County legislature celebrates the dedication, courage, and struggle of all those women and men who fought to secure the first major milestone in the right of women to vote," the chair read as the proclamation was adopted.

Representatives of the League of Women Voters and local historians marked the occasion with brief remarks and historical context. Kaye Wagner of the League traced the movement's work and urged action to support recent state-level bills on absentee ballots and early voting. League speakers emphasized that the 19th Amendment did not finish the work of enfranchisement for all Americans, and several legislators wore white in honor of suffrage traditions.

Legislators applauded the League and local historians; several called the proclamation both a celebration and reminder that work remains to ensure equal access and participation in elections. The legislature encouraged residents to observe Women's Equality Day on Aug. 26 as a continuation of the centennial commemoration.