Reprinted with permission from the League of Women Voters
February 14th isn’t just Valentine’s Day—it’s also League of Women Voters’ Day! The League was founded by suffragist Carrie Chapman Catt on February 14, 1920. Catt was instrumental in helping pass the 19th Amendment, which secured women the right to vote. Ever since, the League has been at the forefront of efforts to strengthen our democracy, including registering and educating voters.
Prior to passage of the 19th Amendment, suffragists used holidays like Valentine’s Day to promote the cause of “Votes for Women.” The National Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA), the League’s predecessor, even created its own suffrage postcards!
In honor of League of Women Voters’ Day on February 14—and that lesser known holiday, Valentine’s Day—here are seven vintage suffrage Valentines to remind us of the importance of the vote, both in 1920 and today.
Courtesy of the Catherine H. Postcard Archive.
This Valentine by American illustrator Ellen Clapsaddle was created in 1918, two years before passage of the 19th Amendment.
This 1915 postcard, titled “Good Enough for Me,” was designed by the Campbell Art Company. It was circulated by the National Woman Suffrage Publishing Company on behalf of the National Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA).
Courtesy of the Catherine H. Postcard Archive.
A valentine sent to Rep. Edward William Pou, a delegate to the 1916 Democratic National Convention, imploring him to support women’s suffrage.
This 1916 Valentine attempted to court men by suggesting that women loved and respected men who supported suffrage.
Another postcard created by the National Woman Suffrage Publishing Co. and circulated on behalf of National Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA).
Rooted in the women’s suffrage movement, the League is proud to continue our voter education work today. Every year, Leagues across the country register tens of thousands of voters. In 2014 alone, over 1.5 million people used VOTE411.org, the League’s one-stop-shop for election resources, to find the information they needed to vote.
Inspired by these suffrage Valentines? Celebrate Valentine’s Day by reminding your loved ones register to vote!
