Each Election Day, women turn up in Rochester, New York, to pay homage to the woman who helped them earn the right to vote.
Susan. B. Anthony was a lifelong activist and suffragette who was famously arrested in 1872 for illegally voting in the presidential election. Her gravestone in Mt. Hope Cemetery serves as a place to celebrate her courage. Anthony died in 1906, 14 years before the 19th amendment was ratified, giving women the right to vote.
Women show their love and appreciation for this historical giant by placing “I Voted” stickers on her tomb.
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Rochester Mayor Lovely A. Warren announced the historic cemetery would extend hours on this Election Day to give voters the opportunity to celebrate their vote at Anthony’s tomb.
“Visiting Susan B. Anthony’s gravesite has become an Election Day rite of passage for many citizens in Rochester and with this year’s historically significant election, it seems right to extend that opportunity until the polls close,” Warren said.
Susan B. Anthony was never able to vote, so women are leaving "I voted" stickers on her grave in Rochester. pic.twitter.com/ilBUwvJqns
— Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) November 7, 2016
Warren expects bigger than normal crowds, as this election holds particular meaning for a lot of women. Less than 150 years ago women couldn’t even cast a ballot. Now, women have the opportunity to vote for a woman president.
This simple but meaningful non-partisan act is a nice break from the stress of the election. And, a good reminder that—no matter who you vote for in this election—having the opportunity to vote is a hard-fought right, and we should exercise it.
Visitors who stop by Anthony’s gravestone and leave their voting sticker behind will receive a special commemorative sticker.
Mayor Warren is excited to include Anthony in today’s vote.
“Beyond Tuesday and regardless of the election’s outcome, I encourage every citizen of Rochester to continue Susan B. Anthony’s legacy by continuing the fight for equality,” she said.