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Women's suffrage celebration begins in ND

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Dave Thompson

One hundred years ago, women were given the right to vote by Constitutional amendment.

And a North Dakota group is launching a two-year celebration.

The 19th Amendment was ratified August 18th, 1920.

"We're hoping to raise awareness of the importance of women getting the vote," said Susan Wefald of Bismarck, the co-chair of the Women's Suffrage Centennial Committee. "We will be hosting activities all over the state."

Wefald is asking people with photos and other documents concerning women voting to share those with the committee.

"We hope people will become aware of how hard women had to work for the right to vote," said the other co-chair, Barbara Handy-Marchello. "It was a long process."

Handy-Marcello said this also emphasizes the importance voting is for all citizens.

"Our final goal is to see greater voter participation," Handy-Marchello said. "This is a treasure that can be lost, if we don't take care of it."

Gov. Doug Burgum signed a proclamation to celebrate the centennial of women’s suffrage.

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