[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 89 (Tuesday, May 28, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E678]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 19TH AMENDMENT-

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                          HON. GARY J. PALMER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 28, 2019

  Mr. PALMER. Madam Speaker, this year is the 100th year anniversary of 
the United States House of Representatives approving the resolution for 
the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote. I have looked 
forward to this day literally since my first day in Congress because it 
holds very special meaning for my wife's family.
  Prior to the 1920 election, sample ballots were distributed in 
Boston. My wife Ann's great-grandmother, Abby Mayhew Cushing, received 
a sample ballot that she used to prepare for that election. After 
voting that day she wrote the following note on the back side of the 
sample ballot, ``November 2, 1920 Cast my first vote for President of 
these United States.''
  Reading those words gives a sense of the immense pride that Ms. 
Cushing felt, a sincere sense of patriotism at the opportunity to 
participate in the selection of the leaders who would guide as she 
wrote, ``these United States.''
  These United States . . . even though women had been denied the right 
to vote since the beginning of our nation, there was no sense of 
resentment from Ms. Cushing, only a sense of great pride that comes 
from a genuine love of country.
  To be totally transparent, I should include the rest of what she 
wrote on the back of her sample ballot. She wrote, ``Straight 
Republican ticket. Smashing victory for Harding and Coolidge. Abby 
Mayhew Cushing Age 67.''
  Almost three years later she added this note: ``President Harding 
died very suddenly August 2nd 1923 in California. Burial in Marion, 
Ohio, Friday August 10th.''
  My wife and her family have held on to this treasured piece of 
American history, with Ms. Cushing's simple yet inspiring words written 
on the back, for almost 100 years as a reminder of how far our nation 
has come. It is with great pride and honor that I share them with this 
Congress on this 100th anniversary of the passage of the House 
resolution to give the women of America the right to vote.

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