Boise Women’s March to celebrate voting rights anniversary at election year rally
The first Women’s March in Boise drew at least 5,000 people and coincided with massive protests nationwide in January 2017, right after Donald Trump’s inauguration as president.
Four years later, in a presidential election year, the rallies are still going strong, and the Idaho group organizing Boise’s march expects another good crowd for the Saturday, Jan. 18, event at the Idaho Capitol.
The theme for this year’s Idaho Women’s March is “Demonstrating the power of Idaho women in our democracy,” according to a press release from Idaho Voice, a civic engagement organization putting on the rally. From 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., participants will mark the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote, and honor women in government, according to organizer Holly Cook.
“We hope that people will come out from all walks of life and join us in celebrating that,” Cook said. “It’s a nonpartisan event so we have people from each side of the aisle, who will come and specifically talk about women in leadership through specifically exercising our right to vote.”
For the organizers, this is especially important, given Idaho’s history.
“We like to think that Idaho is a leader, especially with creating good legislation and good government, and that started long ago when Idaho was the fourth state” to give women the right to vote, Cook said. “We want to continue guiding the way for other states, and we hope Idaho women will come to the march and continue running for office so that we can do that.”
Prior to ratification of the 19th Amendment, some states had granted women the right to vote without it being done nationally. Idaho did so in 1896.
Paulette Jordan, the Democratic nominee for governor in Idaho’s 2018 election, will serve as master of ceremonies, and music will be provided by Boise Rock School females.
“People need to understand that Idaho isn’t for exclusively one party,” Jordan told the Idaho Statesman. “We are creating a space and inviting everyone to belong.”
Jordan, who was an Idaho House member from 2014-18, said she wants everyone to feel welcome.
“My hope is that we will be able to inspire more young women and men, and that they will have a place to be heard,” Jordan said.
Other speakers at the event are:
- Cherie Buckner-Webb, Idaho state senator
- Ilana Rubel, Idaho state representative
- Lauren Necochea, Idaho state representative
- Lisa Sanchez, Boise City Council
- Donna Thompson, Shoshone Bannock Tribal Council
- Keri Steneck, U.S. military veteran, former wildland firefighter
- Tai Simpson, speaking about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women
- Adrienne Evans, United Vision
Women’s suffrage
Several groups are marking the 19th Amendment’s 100th anniversary with special events, series and celebrations. The Idaho Association of County Recorders and Clerks recently announced the winner of its “I Voted” sticker design contest to commemorate women’s voting rights, and Kuna High School student Samantha Robson was selected from more than 100 entries statewide.
Robson’s winning design will be featured on a commemorative sticker to be given to voters for all 2020 elections in Idaho.
“This started as a class project for me, but it turned out to be a really exciting part of my year,” Robson said in a news release. “Although it was pretty stressful at first, I am very grateful for the opportunity to put my work out there.”
This story was originally published January 14, 2020 at 6:00 AM.
