VOTE! Simple action which carries so much power and potential.

A brief review of voting rights shows that women have had to work long and hard to secure the right to vote in most countries.  Men were granted this right long before women.  The same is true with certain racial, religious and ethnic groups.  In fact, some voting rights for women were based on educational background and/or marital status.  Due to tireless efforts, and often battles, women have overcome these restrictions and can participate as voters.

During the current year, many DKG members have taken advantage of this right to vote in their member countries.  In the US, this freedom can be exercised coming up on November 8.  Whether the vote be for local, state, provincial, or national elections, these choices affect democracy. 

• Your first responsibility is to register to vote in the US.  Check out www.usa.gov for information on voter registration and elections in your state.
• In some countries, registration is automatic, based on government records such as census counts.  What does voter registration look like in your country if you are outside the US? 
• Once you have determined that you are registered, research the issues.  International Standing Rule 8.102 d. states, “Legislative activity shall be concerned with educational issues, not with candidates or political parties.” 
• As DKG members, your work within the Society should reflect these issues.  As a citizen of your country, research on candidates will inform you on these important issues.
• Vote with an eye toward the improvement of education and especially the interests of women educators.

 Fun Facts

• Finland was the first country in Europe to grant women the right to vote (1907).
• Although women could vote in municipal elections in Mexico beginning in 1947, the right for women to vote in national elections didn’t occur until 1953.
• Japanese women cast their first votes in 1945. 
• Not only are more women in the US registered to vote than men, the percentage of women voting in the presidential elections (since 1984) is slightly higher than that of men. 

Women have the potential to influence the outcome at all levels of elections.  Carry out your privilege by voting whenever you have the opportunity.