In November of 1881, an article on women’s right to vote appeared in the Ventura Signal, one of the county’s first newspapers. States throughout the country were taking up the issue of voting rights. The final line of the article was, “Universal suffrage is only a matter of time and a very short time if we take as a precedent the work of ’81.” It would be almost 30 years before the 19th Amendment was passed, 83 years before the passing of the 24th Amendment (prohibiting poll taxes in federal elections), and 84 years before the Voting Rights Act was passed.

The Museum of Ventura County is working to create an exhibit about Ventura County and the suffrage movement. To create this exhibit, we’d like to hear from you. What is your first or most vivid memory of voting? Why do you vote? Do you think voting is important? Share your stories, thoughts, “I voted” stickers, or family voting recollections with the museum. Have pictures? We want those too! Share your family photos and stories as well, featuring voting or suffrage protest.

HELP US BY CONTRIBUTING YOUR DIGITAL CONTENT

These might include typed personal reflections and stories, digital images, sound and film recordings such as home movies, social media posts, web sites, blog posts, and other digital content. You can help us by sharing documentation of your personal experiences or those of your family. 

To submit a file or write your story, please click the Submit Content button below. For assistance, please contact submissions@venturamuseum.org.

To learn more about our usual donation process or to donate any historic or cultural Ventura County material, please contact our Collections Manager Renee Tallent at rtallent@venturamuseum.org.

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