Watch CBS News

Aldermen Support Commemoration Of Women's Suffrage In Illinois

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Chicago aldermen are giving their early blessing to a measure to commemorate the centennial of women having the right to vote in Illinois, reports WBBM Political Editor Craig Dellimore.

Alderman Support Commemoration Of Women's Suffrage In Illinois

Powerful Alderman Edward Burke said it is only fitting that Chicago honor the 100th anniversary of women's suffrage in our state.

"Women in Chicago had their first opportunity to exercise the right to vote during the 1914 aldermanic elections and first voted for a Chicago mayoral candidate in the year 1915," said Burke.

Adding her support was Michelle Duster, the great-granddaughter of Ida B. Wells who was a suffrage movement leader as well as civil rights advocate and journalist.

"She was in her 50s in 1913. Through the Ida B. Wells Club she started urging women to fight for the right to vote," said Duster.

Illinois adopted its suffrage bill June 11, 1913.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.