William Balderston

“ Women have generally taken part in oar elections; they manifest a lively interest in them, and their influence is felt in all contests. There may be a few who do not embrace the opportunity to vote, but the writer has no knowledge of such.
In connection with this feature of the subject, it may be stated that the lesson taught is that the placing of the ballot in the hands of women has not brought about any such conditions as are always portrayed by opponents of equal suffrage. It has not changed or lowered women; it has not started them out as politicians ”

“ True to its pledge, the party, at the ensuing session of the legislature, submitted an amendment to the state constitution giving women the right of suffrage. The equal suffrage association then went to work with great vigor to carry the amendment through, and its efforts were crowned with success at the election in 1896. On election day there were workers at the polls who called the attention of voters to the amendment at the last moment, and all were rejoiced when the returns were received to find the reform had been carried by a safe majority. ”

“ Fear of the women vote deters legislatures from taking action that would have been a forgone conclusion in the days before the wife and mother appeared at the ballot places to aid in deciding as to men and measures. ”

“ The presence of women at the polls had an effect similar to their presence at any other place—rowdyism disappearing and giving place to a quiet, genteel polling-place atmosphere comparable to that observed in a dry goods store, or any other place where the sex gathers. ”

“ Some women have become officeholders, but there is no disposition among them to crowd into politics in that manner. In nearly all instances women are selected as superintendents of schools in state and county: some have been elected as county treasurers, and we have one female county clerk. ”