Vote, Women!

Today is Election Day in the United States of America.

The Women On Women Music Program would like to remind you that it is especially important that all women get out the vote. If you'll permit me a little family history - I say this as the granddaughter of someone who could not legally vote when she was born, simply because of her sex. My grandmother Helena, born in 1913, was seven years old when women finally got the right to vote. Her mother, my great-grandmother, cast her first vote in 1920. Even then, the struggle wasn't over - likely a Democrat (as most Irish Catholic Iowa farmers were), my great-grandmother had to wait twelve more years, until 1932, to see one of her chosen candidates actually win! Coincidentally, 1932 was the year my eighteen year old grandmother would have cast her first ballot, for Franklin D Roosevelt. No doubt mother and daughter were thrilled to see some hope and change in the form of this exciting new candidate who promised a "New Deal" with Americans suffering under the economic crisis of Great Depression and threats of global war.

Sound familiar? Here's hoping that when my mother, sister and I walk through the gates of Grant Park this evening, we'll have just as much reason to celebrate as those two Iowa women did seventy-six years ago.

Some things to remember:

• Polls open at 6:00am and close at 7:00pm. If you are in line at 6:59pm, you are legally permitted to cast your ballot, no matter how long you may have to wait in line after the polls close.
• To find your polling place in the city of Chicago, visit ChicagoElections.com.
• You will need to verify your name and address and sign your signature to receive a ballot. You do not need to show ID, but it is a good idea to bring some, just in case there are any problems.
• You are not permitted to "electioneer" within 100 feet of the polling place. Some people have interpreted this to mean that you are not allowed to wear pins, shirts or hats in support of a candidate. This is under dispute, but to avoid problems just take off your hat or pin, or wear a sweater over your shirt, while you are in line and voting.
• If you have any problems at the polls, call 311, 911 (emergencies only) or the Chicago Election Day hotline at (312) 269-7870.
  

After you vote, don't forget to tune into tonight at 8pm to WLUW on 88.7fm in Chicago and wluw.org online. Emily will be playing a special election celebration set in honor of the occasion!