These individuals fought for women's suffrage. They lived across the United States, and came from around the world. Some were active in the battle for women's right to vote in the early 1800s; others worked to educate and enroll voters and for voting rights into the late 1900s and beyond. Men and women, young and old, you may know some of them for other parts of their histories. Some you may never have heard of before.
We invite you to explore the stories of women's access to the vote across America, through the histories of these 20 people who were among those who made it possible. Looking for more histories of suffragists? Scroll to the bottom of the page!
We invite you to explore the stories of women's access to the vote across America, through the histories of these 20 people who were among those who made it possible. Looking for more histories of suffragists? Scroll to the bottom of the page!
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Jane AddamsJane Addams was a suffragist, social activist, and author.
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Susan B. AnthonySusan B. Anthony was a suffragist, abolitionist, and activist for women's rights.
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Carrie Chapman CattCarrie Chapman Catt was a suffragist, peace activist, and co-founder of the League of Women Voters.
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Septima Poinsette ClarkSeptima Poinsette Clark was an educator and civil rights activist. She worked to register African American voters.
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Frederick DouglassFrederick Douglass, formerly enslaved, was an abolitionist, suffragist, publisher, and author.
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Wilhelmina Kekelaokalaninui DowsettWilhelmina Kekelaokalaninui Widemann Dowsett was a suffragist in Hawai'i.
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First Territorial Legislature of AlaskaThe first act of the just-formed Territorial Legislature of Alaska in 1913 was to grant women the vote.
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Dolores HuertaDolores Huerta is a labor organizer; co-founder of the National Farm Workers Association; and works to register agricultural workers to vote
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Helen KellerHelen Keller was a civil rights activist, women's rights activist, author, and speaker.
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Dr. Mabel Ping-Hua LeeDr. Mabel Lee advocated for women's suffrage for years, even though as a Chinese immigrant, she was unable to vote.
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Adelina "Nina" Otero-WarrenNina Otero-Warren was a suffragist, author, business woman, and homesteader.
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Dr. Alice PaulAlice Paul was a suffragist and activist for women's rights.
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Jeannette RankinJeannette Rankin was a suffragist, and the first woman elected to US Congress.
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Tye Leung SchulzeTye Leung Schulze was the first Chinese person in the United States (and perhaps in the world) to vote in a democratic election.
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Rev. Dr. Anna Howard ShawRev. Dr. Anna Howard Shaw was an activist, physician, clergy, and President of the National American Women's Suffrage Association.
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Elizabeth Cady StantonOne of the driving forces behind the First Women's Rights Convention in 1848
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Mary Church TerrellMary Church Terrell was a suffragist, activist, businesswoman, and educator.
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Sojourner TruthSojourner Truth was born Isabella Baumfree. She was an abolitionist, activist, and supporter of women's rights including suffrage.
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Dr. Mary Edwards WalkerDr. Mary Walker was a physician, women's suffrage advocate, Civil War veteran, and the only woman to receive the US Medal of Honor.
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Ida B. Wells-BarnettIda B. Wells-Barnett was an anti-lynching advocate, author, suffragist, founder of the Alpha Suffrage Club in Chicago.
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Zitkala-ŠaZitkala-Ša was a writer, political activist, teacher, intellectual, and musician. She fought for Native American suffrage.
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Where's My Favorite Suffragist?Explore the list below to learn about more suffragists.
Last updated: February 5, 2024